Knowledge Base

BREAST CANCER

by Dr Vaid Ji on Oct 26, 2023

BREAST CANCER

Definition-

 Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast. It can occur in both men and women but is much more common in women. Breast cancer typically starts in the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk. From there, it can spread to other parts of the body.

Causes:

The exact cause of breast cancer is not known, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some known risk factors include family history, certain gene mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2), hormone replacement therapy, and exposure to radiation.

Signs and Symptoms:

 Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

  • A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm.
  • Change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
  • Unexplained pain in the breast
  • Nipple changes, such as inversion, discharge, or scaling.
  • Redness or pitting of the breast skin, resembling an orange peel
  • Swelling of the breast
  • A lump in the collarbone or underarm area.

It's important to note that not all breast lumps are cancerous, and many breast changes have benign (non-cancerous) causes. However, any unusual or persistent changes in the breast should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Risk Factors: Several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, including:

  • Gender: Women are at a higher risk than men.
  • Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after age 50.
  • Family History: A family history of breast cancer can elevate risk.
  • Genetic Mutations: Inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy: Long-term use may increase risk.
  • Radiation Exposure: Past radiation therapy near the chest area.
  • Hormonal Factors: Early menstruation, late menopause, and late or no childbirth.
  • Personal History: A prior history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases.

Early detection through regular breast self-exams, mammograms, and clinical breast exams is crucial for improving the prognosis of breast cancer. Treatment options for breast cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy, and the specific approach depends on the stage and type of breast cancer. It's important for individuals to be informed about breast cancer, its risk factors, and to undergo recommended screenings to ensure early detection and timely treatment.

HOW TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER?

Breast cancer prevention involves adopting a healthy lifestyle and making choices that reduce your risk. While not all breast cancers can be prevented, certain strategies can help lower your risk. Here are some steps to consider:

  • Regular Screening: Early detection is key, Follow recommended guidelines for breast cancer screening, which may include mammograms, clinical breast exams, and breast self-exams
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause. Aim to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
  • Stay Physically Active: Engage in regular physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. If you choose to drink, limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day.
  • Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat foods.
  • Breastfeeding: If you have the opportunity, breastfeed your children. Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
  • Limit Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): If you're considering hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms, discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Long-term use of certain types of HRT can increase breast cancer risk.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of several cancers, including breast cancer. If you smoke, seek support to quit.
  • Reduce Environmental Exposures: Minimize exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and chemicals. Be cautious of hormone-disrupting chemicals in products you use.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have negative effects on overall health. Practice stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation.
  • Know Your Family History: If you have a family history of breast cancer or other cancers, discuss your risk with a genetic counselor and healthcare provider. You may need more frequent screenings or genetic testing.

MANAGEMENT OF BREAST CANCER ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA-

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that can offer supportive care and complementary approaches to individuals with breast cancer. It's essential to note that Ayurveda is not a replacement for conventional medical treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. Instead, Ayurveda focuses on improving overall well-being, managing side effects, and supporting the body during cancer treatment. Here are some Ayurvedic approaches that may be considered as part of a comprehensive care plan:

  • Dietary Modifications: Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on diet. An Ayurvedic practitioner may recommend a diet that supports the body's healing process, including anti-inflammatory foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and herbs with potential anti-cancer properties.
  • Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs and supplements, such as Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Tulsi, and Amla, may be used to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and provide overall support.
  • Panchakarma: Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detoxification therapy that can help eliminate toxins from the body and enhance overall health.
  • Yoga and Meditation: These practices can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being during the cancer journey.
  • Ayurvedic Lifestyle: Adopting Ayurvedic lifestyle practices, including daily routines (Dinacharya) and seasonal routines (Ritucharya), can help maintain balance and support healing.
  • Pranayama: Breathing exercises can promote relaxation and reduce stress.
  • Supportive Therapies: Ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga (oil massage), Swedana (herbal steam therapy), and Shirodhara (oil pouring on the forehead) may offer relaxation and stress relief.

MANAGENENT ACCORDING TO CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTER-

Cancer Care Kit

All products description in details:

1) Detox premium powder:

This herbal powder contains herbo-mineral preparation. The ingredients in this powder are moti pishti, parwal pishti, shukta pishti, giloy satav, kamdudha ras, jahar mohra pishti, akik pishti, heerak bhasma, gandhak rasayan, tal sindoor, shankh bhasma, etc. These all ingredients in combination stop the extra cells growth & treat cancer easily.

Recommended dosage: Take 1 sachet twice daily with normal water.

2) Curcumin capsule:

Curcumin capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of herb Turmeric. These capsules show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, & anti-cancer properties. All these properties will fight against the unwanted growth of cancer cells. It will build up a strong immunity in an individual dealing with the disease cancer.

Recommended dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily with normal water.

3) Giloy capsules:

Giloy capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). This herb shows antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulator, & anti-pyretic properties. As in cancer patients, toxins are accumulated in the body so for proper detoxification these capsules give effective results. It builds up a natural immunity to fight against cancer cells.

Recommended dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily with normal water.

4) Nerve up tablet:

These tablets are pure ayurvedic formulation. Nerve up tablets help in bal          ancing the vata doshas and kapha dosha. It acts as nervine stimulant. It shows effective results in improving the central nervous system. It contains natural ingredients like shudha kuchala, shudha shilajeet,  praval pishti, shankh bhasma etc. This tablet helps in Backache, kneepain, headache, bronchitis, depression.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily.

5) Liver Care Tablet:

These tablets are 100% safe and purely ayurvedic formulation. It maintains the proper functioning of the liver and stimulates the growth of new liver cells. Liver Care Tablets contains Ingredients like Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kutaki(Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhumi amla( phyllanthus niruri), Giloy(Tinopora Cordifolia), Yavakshar( Hordeum vulgare), Imli Kshar( Tamarindus indica), Mukta Shukta pisti etc. These herbs balances excess Pitta Dosha and helps in problems like abdominal bloating,flatulence, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and indigestion.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

6) Unjha Cruel Capsules:

These herbal capsules helps in reducing the abnormal tissue growth and checks the neoplasm, heal the chronic wounds, Promotes immunity and restores the energy, Checks the progression of the malignant conditions, Checks the degeneration and promotes the regeneration. Herbal ingredients present in these capsules are Hirak Bhasma, Panna Bhasma,  Suvarna Bhasma, Ras Kapoor, Sarveshwar Parpati, Laving, Tamra Bhasma, Safed Mari, Punarnava, Vayvarun, Yashtimadhu, Saragava, Rohitak, Tulsi. This is very effective in primary carcinoma, tuberculosis, secondary metastasis, degenerative conditions, and immune compromising conditions.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 Capsule twice daily with milk.

7) Swarna Guggulu:

Swarna guggulu is one of the best and effective medicines to cure Arthritis, Sciatica, Joints pain, and other physical weakness. The main key ingredients of this tablet are Ashwagandha, Kumkum, and Swarna bhasma. These ingredients reduce stiffness, pain, cure difficulty in walking, and provide strength to the joints.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

8) Panchasakar Churna:

The churna has best results in the detoxification of excess toxins from the body and maintains the proper metabolism. It is made up of a total of 5 ingredients – Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Svaran patri (Cassia angustifolia), Shatapushpa (Foeniculum vulgare),Sauvarchala lavana (Rock salt). The powder reduces the inflammation, redness, relieves constipation, abdominal discomfort, etc. and also prevents it from re-occurring.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 teaspoonful at bedtime with lukewarm water.

9) Shilajit satva:

This is the Ayurvedic formulation of Shilajit satav. It is a potent Immunity Booster and acts as an antioxidant, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It has a tremendous effect on Male Infertility, Anemia, Alzheimer disease, improves brain functions, Fatigue, various Tumors and Cysts like PCOD in females. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties it works on inflamed lymph nodes as well. It balances blood sugar, increases absorption of nutrients, helps in detoxification.

Recommended Dosage – 5 to 10 drops of Shilajit to be mixed in one glass of Luke warm milk