An examination of Ayurveda’s role in the treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a prevailing disease and is observed mostly in women all over the world. Like all other cancers, breast cancer occurs when some unusual cells grow out of control. It usually starts in the glands that produce milk (lobular carcinoma) or the ducts that transport it to the nipple (ductal carcinoma) (called ductal carcinoma). It can even grow larger in your breast and spread to adjacent lymph nodes or to other organs through your circulation. This cancer may spread to surrounding tissue, such as your skin or chest wall.

Breast cancer can differ in type and can grow and spread at different rates. Sometimes it takes a year to spread beyond your breast, while it can even grow and spread at a faster speed.

Who Gets Breast Cancer?

Breast Cancer is a critical case that generally occurs in women, but men can suffer from it too. The problem of breast cancer accounts for less than 1% (in men) of all the cases. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the second most common disease diagnosed in women and the second most dangerous disease after lung cancer. On average, every 1 in 8 women develops breast cancer in their lifetime. Mostly the women with 55 yrs or more age suffer from breast cancer and other cases occur in the age group of 35-45 years.

Breast cancer is fairly treatable if diagnosed early. Localized cancer (that is, cancer that hasn’t spread beyond your breast) is treatable at an early stage. Treatment becomes more complicated and critical after cancer has spread from the breast. Hence, it is advisable to get the checkup done to prevent further complications of breast cancer.

What are the causes of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells present in the breast. These cells grow at a considerably faster rate than the normal ones. As these cells continue to grow, it creates a mass or lump in the breast. Cells in your breast may spread to your lymph nodes or other places of your body.

Factors contributing to the risk of breast cancer:

  • Hormonal factor
  • Lifestyle factor
  • Environmental factor

Ayurvedic View of Breast Cancer:

ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, our body is built on the principles of Tridosha, which include Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. diseases and disruptions in your health can result from an imbalance in these doshas. When an imbalance occurs in these three doshas, cancer develops. Improper nutrition and lifestyle choices are the primary cause of this dosha imbalance. Our digestive system is also harmed, which causes toxins to build up by clogging your body’s channels. This can be the root cause of breast cancer. All these factors are collectively responsible for the development of breast cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

The symptoms of breast cancer include:

  • A lump or thickened area in or around your breast or underarm that lasts for the duration of your period.
  • A mass or a lump in the size of a pea
  • A change in the size, shape or the curve of the breast
  • Leaky Nipples
  • Bloody nipple discharge
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes
  • Changes in the appearance of your breast or nipple skin. Chances of irritation on the skin.
  • Red skin and itching on your breast or nipple
  • Changes in the nipple’s shape
  • An area that’s different from any other area on either breast
  • A hard, marble-sized spot under your skin

Ayurvedic Herbs for Fighting Breast Cancer

ayurveda treatment in cancer

Cancer is a disease that can be avoided by making dietary and nutritional changes. Based on Ayurveda, several kinds of research and studies have confirmed that eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and herbal supplements is connected to a lower risk of breast cancer. A diet plan with a balanced meal consisting of an adequate quantity of protein and nutritional supplements can help in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Ayurvedic supplements like – Ginger, Garlic, Turmeric,

Ashwagandha are less toxic and are easily digestible. These herbs also help in fighting the side effects of post-chemotherapy. Hot flushes occurring in breast cancer patients are commonly treated with black cohosh, also known as the Actaea racemosa plant, one of the medicinal herbs for treating breast cancer.

Estrogens have a key function in the growth of normal breast cells. Plant-based estrogen-like chemicals, sometimes known as phytoestrogens, are protective agents that fight against cancer. Phytoestrogens are structurally similar to the mammalian hormone estrogen and can bind to the hormone receptor. Legumes and lignans are the different groups of Phytoestrogens that can be found in seeds, nuts, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. consuming a larger percentage of dietary lignan can lead to a 30% lower risk of breast cancer. Therefore, consuming a diet that is rich in phytoestrogen is essential for the prevention of breast cancer.

Other useful home remedies are – Pomegranate juice, apple, Papaya, Mango, lemon juice, and Bitter gourd. Consumption of these fruits and vegetables on a daily basis can help with the fast healing of breast cancer. Although medicines are important, a healthy diet can ensure fast recovery and maintain body balance.

Prevention of Breast Cancer

Although ayurvedic treatment would work in the healing of breast cancer, there are a few things that you can do to prevent the problem firsthand. Here is the list of things that can help in the prevention of breast cancer:

  • Control your weight
  • Do some activity
  • Limit or avoid alcohol
  • Get regular checkups and screen tests
  • Breastfeed (As long as possible for mother)
  • Limit hormone therapy after menopause

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a rather serious issue, as it occurs in two-thirds of women. Most breast cancer forms and their related remedies have been identified along with their treatment. An ayurvedic treatment would help in speed recovery by instigating the abnormal cell and ensuring normal cell growth. Also, Ayurveda works more efficiently if the treatment is followed by a good diet, healthy meals, self-care, consumption of protein and water. If diagnosed and treated at an early stage, breast cancer can be healed. Remember to consult your physician before taking any medicine, herbal diet, or fitness plan.

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