Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women; it is said that one in eight women will be diagnosed at some point in their lives. The American Institute for Cancer Research notes that currently twelve million women in the world are living with breast cancer. The staggering statistics often overshadow what a diagnosis truly means to the individual. For many it used to be a death sentence, but modern treatments now help those affected live longer. Despite the massive improvements in survival rates, there is an ever present fear that lingers within patients, prompting them to search for the perfect treatment or cure. This is a natural human response of wanting to seek out every possible method of treatment to know that one has done everything they can to improve the situation. While most patients stick with more traditional methods like chemotherapy and mastectomy, some resort to alternative methods. Alternative and complementary treatments, often referred to as CAM treatments, are used by those diagnosed with breast cancer to fulfill gaps they see with traditional medicine. Although some alternative treatments are scientifically proven to have certain benefits, most alternative medicines offer false promises that ultimately do not benefit the journey to remission or to being cancer free on their own.
The Center for Disease Control describes breast cancer as a “disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control (Division of Cancer Prevention and Control)”. In cancer free individuals, cells are able to perform a process called apoptosis which is when a cell kills itself off naturally. This is also sometimes referred to as programmed cell death. Apoptosis is a normal process that our bodies must perform in order to rid ourselves of cells that do not function as they should. What makes breast cancer so destructive is that these malignant cells spread throughout the body in a process called “metastatic colonization” (Szmulewitz, 2017). The first places that these cells usually colonize are the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones, or brain. Most current treatments place an emphasis on restricting the malignant spread.
To date, the most effective treatment method oncologists have found is known as chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a form of radiation used to kill cancerous cells in the body. It is given in a variety of different ways including orally, subcutaneous injections, intramuscular injections, and intravenous treatment (Chemotherapy Side Effects). Chemotherapy is one of the most common ways of treating not only breast cancer, but many other forms of cancer as well. While it is a very effective treatment method, chemotherapy is also very hard on the physical and mental state of the patient. It is taxing on a physical level because while it is designed to kill fast growing cancer cells, it has the unintended side effect of attacking healthy fast growing cells. This leaves the body weak and can oftentimes leave a patient’s immune system compromised (Chemotherapy Side Effects). On a mental level chemotherapy takes a toll on patients because on top of the depression and feelings of helplessness that many cancer patients face, there are also cognitive issues associated with high doses of chemotherapy. In a study done in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society of Cambridge University, it was said that “long after treatment [chemotherapy] is associated with cognitive problems and task-related hypoactivation” (Stouten-Kemperman, Myrle M., et al). Patients that have to go through higher doses suffer as a result and risk never truly returning to normal.
In addition to chemotherapy, there are a variety of different medications used to treat breast cancer. One of these treatments is Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. “It is [also] used to treat early breast cancer in women who have already been treated with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy(Tamoxifen)”. Tamoxifen works by blocking estrogen in the breast area, which helps stop breast tumors that are dependent on estrogen from growing. While Tamoxifen can help women to “reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back by 40% to 50% in postmenopausal women and by 30% to 50% in premenopausal women(breastcancer.org)”, it also comes with its own risks and side effects. Patients can experience vision problems, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, fever, blisters, rash and muscle weakness (Tamoxifen). While modern technology has come a long way in helping women manage their treatments, it is not without its pros and cons.
Another medication used to treat early stages of breast cancer in women who have experienced menopause, or whose breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body is Anastrozole. It can also be used for women who did not react well to Tamoxifen and have seen their cancer worsen as a result. It is a long-term treatment that should be taken for several years even if the patient feels well enough to stop taking it(Anastrozole). Like Tamoxifen, Anastrozole is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor so it works by limiting the production of estrogen in the body and starving off the cancer cells that rely on it. While Anastrozole can help to reduce a patient’s risk of “cancer spreading to other parts of the body [and] developing in the other breast (breastcancer.org)” it also comes with its own list of side effects. The most severe side effects include chest pains, signs of infection (sore throat, fever, chills, swollen glands, etc.), difficulty urinating, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in the upper right side of the stomach and skin ulcers, lesions or blisters. It can also change the bone density of its patients and make them more brittle (Anastrozole). Again, modern science can help to increase longevity and gives patients a fighting chance where they previously did not. However, there are still risks people need to take into account before committing to such treatments.
Capecitabine is a medication used to treat breast cancer that has returned or has not responded to other treatments. Capecitabine is an antimetabolite and works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body. It is taken in cycles, the patient takes the medication two times a day for two weeks and then takes a week break before starting a new cycle. Capecitabine, much like the other medications previously listed, has its benefits and risks. It can not be taken with blood thinners because it may cause unusual bleeding or bruising. It can also cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, swelling, reddening or pain in the palms of the hands or the sole of the feet, chest pain, a fast heartbeat and dark urine (Capecitabine). Many medications used to treat breast cancer are proven to achieve significant results, despite the risks they come with.
While many of the treatments mentioned are proven to help patients and have made differences in people’s lives, they are not always guaranteed to work. This is one of the reasons many in today’s day and age have turned to CAM treatments for breast cancer. In the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, it was said that women with breast cancer in particular, “seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) more than other patient populations with cancer (Wanchai)”. Alternative medications include biological based practices such as “herbs, vitamins, and foods” or mind and body practices such as “prayer, meditation or spiritual healing (Wanchai)”. The reasons people have for seeking out alternative or CAM treatments may vary. There might be fear of surgery or an unwillingness to go through with a mastectomy because of how obvious it can be that someone has had it done.There is also the dissatisfaction with western medicine and the fact that treatments are more successful for some and not others. In another journal it was mentioned that “Breast cancer survivors perceive CAM as a choice for promoting physical health in dealing with disease (Wanchai)”. Many women might find it beneficial to include alternative medicines in their routines to improve their health, whether that be physical, mental, or emotional. CAM treatments often times include the process of taking time out of the day to tend to your body and its needs. To nourish it only with the best that nature has to offer and to stay active in ways that stimulate the body and brain. While CAM treatments can aid in recovery and help patients to feel more fulfilled, it has been noted that ultimately, “CAM treatments alone do not help to extend lifespan. CAM treatments alone also do not have any substantial benefits against cancer (Joseph)”. It is important for those diagnosed with breast cancer to keep in mind that CAM treatments alongside traditional medicine can provide results but CAM treatments alone are not the key to recovering.
The effectiveness of chemotherapy and other conventional breast cancer treatments have been clearly proven, but their devastating impacts on the body and mind go on to be one of the most painful aspects of cancer. In a study conducted by a group of Malaysian researchers, it was found that out of 36 breast cancer patients who have completed chemotherapy, “One of the most common problems encountered was having no appetite to eat, because everything felt tasteless, and they also feel nauseous (Nies, 2018)”. Many of the patients tried to solve this problem through forced eating, but most could not keep food down. While the Malaysian patients had to suffer through the debilitating nausea and appetite loss, many in the United States are turning to medical marijuana as a complement to their chemo treatments. The notion is supported by an article published in the Journal of Pain Management; authors Jordan Stinson and Carlo DeAngelis state that “ Data from over 1300 patients was collected and analyzed. Complete control of nausea occurred in 70% of patients using cannabinoids versus placebo, and 59% of patients versus active controls (2016)”. Medical marijuana exemplifies the positive impacts complementary medicine can have alongside traditional medicine in the treatment of breast cancer.
Despite the fact that traditional medicine such as chemotherapy can have risks and side effects, it is still an effective treatment option which helps people everyday cope with their breast cancer. The pills, the radiation, and the injections do have proven benefits that can help patients begin their journey to being cancer free. “Miracle treatments” such as organic teas and roots do not cure cancer, nor do they help manage cancer symptoms on their own. Taking care of one’s body and incorporating healthy teas, yoga, acupuncture, and other natural remedies can help to elevate one’s state of mind which has an effect on their health. The phrase “a healthy mind in a healthy body” is exactly what patients diagnosed with breast cancer should keep in mind. Mental and psychological well-being has an effect on physical well-being. For those who practice self care and regularly take the time to eat right and participate in practices which de-stress them, they will feel the physical benefits of taking care of themselves. There should be no strict reliance on alternative medicines to cure cancer or to help to manage symptoms because it will only lead to the disease worsening.
Works Cited
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Breastcancer.org. “Arimidex.” Breastcancer.org, www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/aromatase_inhibitors/arimidex.
Breastcancer.org. “Tamoxifen: Uses, Side Effects, and More.” Breastcancer.org, www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/serms/tamoxifen
Capecitabine.” AHFS Consumer Medication Information, Mar. 2019, p. 1. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=l0h&AN=78169891&site=ehost-live.
Chemotherapy Side Effects. American Cancer Society , 2019.
Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. “CDC – What Is Breast Cancer?” Centers for
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Nies, Yong Hui, et al. “A Qualitative Study among Breast Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy: Experiences and Side-Effects.” Patient Preference and Adherence, Volume 12, 2018, pp. 1955–1964., doi:10.2147/ppa.s168638
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.Szmulewitz R., Taylor J., Rinker-Schaeffer C. (2011) Metastatic Colonization. In: Schwab M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Cancer. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Stinson, Jordan, and Carlo DeAngelis. “Is There a Role for Medical Cannabis in the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting? A Commentary.” Journal of Pain Management, vol. 9, no. 4, 2016, pp. 535–540.
Stouten-Kemperman, Myrle M., et al. “Very Late Treatment-Related Alterations in Brain Function of Breast Cancer Survivors.” Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, vol. 21, no. 1, 2014, pp. 50–61., doi:10.1017/s1355617714001015.
Wanchai, Ausanee, et al. “Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Women With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review.” Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, vol. 14, no. 4, Aug. 2010, pp. E45–E55. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1188/10.CJON.E45-E55.
Wanchai, Ausanee, et al. “The Value of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Women with Breast Cancer.” Alternative & Complementary Therapies, vol. 24, no. 2, Apr. 2018, pp. 85–87. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1089/act.2018.29158.awa.
