Major breast cancer organizations are joining forces this month as part of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month program. The campaign aims to increase awareness and promote research about the disease.
As part of this effort, Natural Standard is working with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure© organization to provide consumer information about integrative therapies for breast cancer.
Many natural therapies have been studied for use in various types of cancer and as adjuncts for chemotherapy side effects. There is currently good scientific evidence supporting the use of meditation and psychotherapy for quality of life in cancer patients. However, further research is necessary.
It is important for patients to discuss any therapies they may be interested in trying with their healthcare providers before initiating therapy to ensure they are safe for use in their specific condition and with other medications they may be taking.
For more information on integrative therapies with evidence of benefit for breast cancer, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.
It doesn't have to be the month of October to invoke awareness of breast cancer. Such as most forget Christmas completely the day after, we should never forget the impact of breast cancer on November 1st. I challenge that everyone has been affected by this disease in some form or fashion, family, friend, personal experience, etc. Therefore we shouldn't limit our cries to find a cure to only one month. I'm sure that the local chapter of Komen for the cure is very appreciate of donations during this month, but I would be willing to bet that they enjoy donations just as much in November. Think of it as Christmas in November.
Posted by: M Allen | November 10, 2011 at 04:20 PM
For most conditions or diseases, there are treatment options available but preventative measures or therapies are also vital. Early detection is also important because in some cases it could mean life or death. On the topic of breast cancer, things women are encouraged to do are breast self-examinations (BSE) monthly and clinical breast exams (CBE) every four years. These exams can help women become familiar with their own breast and allows for them to recognize any abnormalities. For many cancers, early detection may lead to better treatment options and prognosis.
Posted by: NK | November 03, 2011 at 10:55 AM
The pink campaign has been excellent in spreading awareness, but one qualm I have had with it is how is completely ignores men. I agree that the focus should be on women, as there is a huge disparity in lifetime risk between the sexes (1 in 8 for women versus 1 in 1,000 for men)! However, there are almost 2,000 men newly diagnosed with breast cancer each other according to the American Cancer Society and this population should not be ignored. I feel that the excessive usage of pink misguides men into thinking breast cancer cannot happen to them.
Breast cancer in men is typically detected between the ages of 60 and 70 years, and those with a family history of breast cancer, exposure to radiation, or high estrogen levels (often from liver disease or genetic disorders), are at an increased risk.
Posted by: Ashley Tewksbury | October 27, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Incorporating the use of meditation and psychotherapy in chemotherapy patients is an excellent way to improve their outlook on life. For some people it may work better than in other people, but why not practice daily routines that may contribute to the ability to go through life with the quest for the best quality of life possible during such a devastating time.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 21, 2011 at 03:18 PM
I completely agree with you, NK. Dealing with breast cancer is quite overwhelming. Many women may lose a breast as a result, which may leave them feeling inadequate and self-conscious. I think that meditation and psychotherapy is especially important for these women to overcome their self-image issues and to go on to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Posted by: Melissa | October 21, 2011 at 01:05 PM
It is definitely breast cancer awareness month. There is pink everywhere. It is amazing yet wonderful how many organizations are getting involved in raising the awareness of breast cancer. Even the NFL is participating by wearing pink items. I have seen more pink this year than ever. The more awareness we can create the earlier the disease can be detected and thus more easily treated.
Posted by: MK | October 19, 2011 at 03:10 PM
Dealing with breast cancer can be very emotionally and physically draining for many of these women. Some even suffer from cases of depression, stemming from their condition. This being said, meditation and psychotherapy surely seem like feasible therapies to improve their quality or better yet, outlook on life. Although these therapies are not targeted to eliminate the cancerous cells, it may help in another area which is also important for their overall well being.
Posted by: NK | October 18, 2011 at 03:14 PM