Breast Cancer Care and Prevention: Overview for Clinicians
Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Nutrition
- The Mediterranean diet can lower the risk of breast cancer.
- Fish oil can reduce the risk of breast cancer. 1000 mg DHA + EPA daily.
- Oleic acid (omega 9 fatty acid) can help suppress HER 2/Neu tumor cell growth. In olive oil, avocados, hazelnuts, and cashews.
- Green tea can reduce breast cancer risk. 3 or more cups daily.
- Soy food intake is associated with increased survival and less tumor recurrence. 1-3 servings daily.
- Flax seed/lignan rich oil can reduce breast cancer risk and decrease breast cancer cell growth 1-2 tablespoons in food daily.
- Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables can lower breast cancer risk. 5-9 servings daily.
- Whey protein powder (by-product of cheese production, less allergenic than casein protein) helps prevent mouth sores during chemotherapy and may help prevent peripheral neuropathy of chemotherapy such as taxanes. 20-30 gms twice daily in smoothies or 3-5 gms glutamine supplement one to three times daily.
- Brassica (cruciferous) vegetables can reduce breast cancer risk, decrease cancer cell proliferation, and increase apoptosis. 1-2 servings daily.
Exercise
- In prevention, can help control weight, improve immunity and control mood. Can lower breast cancer mortality. More than 3 hrs/wk. Combination of aerobic activity such as walking 3-5 times per week and strength training 2-3 times per week.
Supplements
- Strong evidence that adequate Vitamin D levels can reduce breast cancer risk.
1000-2000 IU Vitamin D3 daily. - Melatonin has antioxidant, immune-enhancing, cytotoxic, and estrogen-regulating properties. 1-20 mg before bed. Starting dose: 3 mg.
- Botanicals can be helpful during cancer treatment, but exercise caution as some can interfere with metabolism of chemotherapy agents.
Spiritual and Emotional Care
- Small group psychological interventions can help decrease recurrence and mortality.
Therapeutic Review: Treatment of Symptoms in Cancer Treatment
| Symptom | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Fatigue | Exercise Acupuncture |
| Post menopausal hot flashes | Medications such as SSRI's, SNRI's, and gabapentin Acupuncture Exercise |
| Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy |
Acupuncture Ginger Cannabis |
| Anxiety, stress, depression | Acupuncture Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Art Therapy Exercise Yoga Massage Support groups |
| Insomnia | Exercise Melatonin Relaxation techniques Sleep hygiene |
| Pain and peripheral neuropathy | Acupuncture Exercise Cannabinoids Massage Mind-body therapies |
| Lymphedema | Acupuncture Exercise Lymphatic massage |
| Radiation dermatitis | Calendula cream |
Please see the downloads section at the right for more detailed clinician and patient information.
Disclaimer: This information is for general education. Please work with your health care practitioner to use it in the best way possible to promote your health.
