An integrative approach to breast cancer

Blending the best of integrative medicine with the best of conventional medicine gives the greatest chance of healing breast cancer, says Dr Leigh Erin Connealy

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Every 14 seconds, a woman somewhere in the world is diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s the most common cancer in women in both developed and underdeveloped countries around the globe. Those numbers equate to 2.3 million women annually, and 670,000 succumb to the disease each year.

Conventional medicine offers standard options for treatment, most often radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. But there are alternatives— safer, less invasive and more effective approaches that combine integrative and conventional medicine and offer women hope as well as healing.

Though scary, a diagnosis of breast cancer does not have to be a death sentence. Here are some tips and treatment approaches we use at the Cancer Center for Healing.

Get in the proper mindset

First and foremost, you need to prepare mentally. Countless studies highlight the importance of a positive mindset in healing. I encourage patients to practice daily affirmations, meditation, restorative breathing and other methods that help to improve the mind/ body healing connection.

You will also benefit significantly from asking for help. In my book The Cancer Revolution (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2017), I devote an entire chapter to putting together the ideal support team.

From family members and friends who can help with errands, chores around the house, rides and company during doctor appointments to counselors or ministers who can help with the mind-body-spirit aspect of your healing, your “cheerleaders” can make a profound difference.

Find the right doctor

Physicians are not one-size-fits-all. When facing a breast cancer (or any cancer) diagnosis, you must do your due diligence to find the practitioner who best fits your needs. I recommend finding an integrative oncologist who offers multiple treatment approaches and therapies. The more options you have, the better.