Chinese Medicine and Breast Cancer

By Wanzhu Hou, LAc

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. Although the exact cause is not known, the likelihood of getting breast cancer can be reduced. And there are many options for the treatment and care of women with breast cancer.

Preventing Breast Cancer

Both the prevention and treatment of breast cancer in Chinese medicine is based on the importance of balancing yin and yang. The balancing of yin and yang strengthens immunity and balances endocrine system function. This is thought to be accomplished with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

If you meet any of the following criteria you should consider using Chinese medicine

Woman aged 45 and older (before, during and after menopause). Women over age 60 are at greatest risk to get breast cancer, therefore anti-aging Chinese medicine is an important step.

History of breast cancer. If a woman had breast cancer in one breast, she is at risk to get it in the other one.

A family history of breast cancer.

Treating Breast Cancer

Chinese medicine treats breast cancer by adjusting the body's yin and yang. Generally, Chinese medicine will use an integrative approach in the treatment of your cancer and work with your traditional medical doctor.

This means your breast cancer treatment will be comprehensive and can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to combat the cancer and Chinese medicine to reduce the side effects of traditional medical treatments.

Combined, Chinese and traditional medicine are quite effective. Patients have to decide which Chinese medical treatment plan is best for them.

When patients receive Chinese medicine as a treatment, Western medical support is still needed such as lab blood work, x-rays, and MRIs, which help us to monitor progress and change treatment plans as needed to achieve the best results.