Key takeaways

  • Natural treatments like acupuncture, massage, tai chi, and cannabinoids may help manage breast cancer symptoms and side effects from treatments like chemotherapy.
  • While specific diets will not cure cancer, maintaining a diet that might be higher in calories and protein can help provide adequate strength; a dietitian can help determine the best dietary changes.
  • Holistic therapies such as meditation, aromatherapy, and art therapy can promote relaxation and reduce mental health-related effects of a cancer diagnosis, but should not replace standard medical treatments.

Many people find that using natural and complementary therapies can help promote better overall health. However, while natural treatments can help support standard therapy for breast cancer, they cannot replace it.

People considering the use of these treatments should talk with a healthcare professional beforehand. This can help make sure that the treatments are safe for them and will not cause adverse side effects.

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Acupuncture has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine and may help a person manage the symptoms and side effects that standard treatments for breast cancer can cause.

Acupuncture involves gently placing very thin needles into specific pressure points in the skin. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), although it is not fully understood how acupuncture works, studies suggest that this process may stimulate the brain and nervous system to help reduce pain.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) cites some clinical studies that suggest acupuncture may help relieve nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy treatments. They also note that limited evidence indicates that acupuncture may also help reduce cancer pain in some people.

Anyone curious about whether acupuncture might be beneficial should talk with a healthcare professional.

Massage therapy involves manually stimulating the tissues in the skin and muscles. Many people say it helps promote relaxation and may also relieve pain and anxiety, but the scientific evidence to support these claims is limited.

Despite this, the NCCIH guidelines for doctors recommend massage therapy as one of several approaches that may help improve a person’s quality of life and relieve:

However, it is essential to see a massage therapist who understands the unique needs of someone undergoing cancer treatment.

Tai chi and qi gong are two movement-based exercises that originated in China. Both practices aim to move and balance the natural energies within the body and place a strong focus on breathing and meditation.

These practices may help reduce stress and pain and improve mobility and mental health. Many people also find tai chi and qi gong helpful during cancer treatment to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation.

Research indicates that practicing tai chi may improve mood and quality of life in people with breast cancer. However, researchers have carried out fewer studies into the benefits of qi gong.

Biofeedback is a type of therapy that aims to teach people how to identify and control certain involuntary body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension.

During a biofeedback session, a therapist connects the person to an electrical device that provides visual or auditory signals whenever subtle physiological changes happen in the body. By monitoring and responding to these signals, the person attempts to learn how to control certain functions.

According to the NCCIH, some studies suggest that biofeedback may help people with cancer manage their symptoms and treatment side effects. However, it is important to practice biofeedback under the guidance of a licensed therapist.

Eating a specific diet will not cure cancer, and people should be wary of claims that it will.

When a person has cancer, eating is important to keep up their strength. According to the NCI, those with cancer will often need to follow a diet that appears different compared to what some think of as healthy.

For many people, a healthy diet consists of lean proteins, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting foods such as sugar, salt, alcohol, and saturated fats.

However, those with cancer may find eating a challenge, and they may require additional calories and extra protein. In some cases, a person will need to eat foods that are low in fiber instead of high fiber foods.

A person can work with a dietitian to figure out what dietary changes are best for them.

Are dietary supplements safe to take with breast cancer?

The American Cancer Society states that those receiving care for breast cancer should avoid taking dietary supplements without first speaking to a healthcare professional. Many cancer experts do not advise taking supplements while undergoing cancer treatment. This is because some supplements can do the following:

  • can cause skin sensitivity and reactions while undergoing radiation treatment
  • react with medications that are needed during and after surgery
  • increase the risk of side effects and complications of cancer treatments
  • lessen the effectiveness of cancer treatments

Medical use of cannabis and cannabis products is gaining popularity, partly due to shifting regulations allowing for more scientific research into the benefits of the plant.

However, only certain countries and U.S. states permit the medical use of cannabis. It is, therefore, essential for a person to check the legality of medical cannabis in the place where they live before obtaining or using it for any purpose.

The NCI states that the FDA has not approved cannabis as a treatment for cancer. However, while cannabis is not a treatment for cancer, its compounds, called cannabinoids, can help alleviate cancer-related side effects, including:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • sleep disorders
  • anxiety and depression
  • itching
  • headaches
  • restlessness

Commercially available cannabinoids include dronabinol and nabilone

Some holistic therapies aim to promote peace and balance in a person’s state of mind, which helps promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Some people with breast cancer may find that holistic therapies reduce anxiety and other mental health-related effects of a cancer diagnosis. These therapies include:

  • meditation
  • aromatherapy
  • journaling
  • art therapy
  • music therapy
  • dance therapy

Doctors do not recommend complementary and alternative practices as a primary treatment for breast cancer, but they can help support standard treatments.

Treatment for breast cancer depends on several factors, including:

  • the type of breast cancer
  • the stage and grade of the cancer
  • whether the person has gone through menopause
  • the person’s general health and personal preferences

Doctors usually recommend a combination of treatments for breast cancer. Treatment options can include:

There are also typically many ongoing clinical trials for cancer treatment that a person can choose to participate in.

Doctors do not recommend natural and complementary therapies to replace standard treatments for breast cancer. However, some of these therapies may help reduce medication side effects and support a person’s body and mind during treatment and recovery.

People considering natural or complementary therapies for breast cancer should speak with a healthcare professional first. A healthcare professional can also advise on standard treatment options and address any concerns that a person may have about symptoms or medication side effects.