Complementary therapies in breast cancer patients

Abstract

The use of complementary therapies in addition to standard care for cancer is widespread among cancer patients, but it seems to be of special importance for women with breast cancer. There is a large number of nonconventional therapies, and only very few can be judged on a sound scientific basis. Nevertheless, information on the safety profiles and scientific evidence are increasing for some of these treatments. This article focuses on treatments which are of special interest for breast cancer patients because they might reduce typical symptoms of breast cancer and side effects of conventional cancer therapy like fatigue, anxiety, menopausal symptoms, nausea, lymphedema, and dermatitis. Many of the therapies described can be used as self-help techniques. If standard cancer therapy is not able to sufficiently control symptoms or adverse effects, some complementary treatments might offer further options for the maintenance of a good quality of life for cancer patients. Breast cancer patients tend to be more active in seeking information about complementary methods than other cancer patients. Practitioners should respond to this need and discuss nonconventional therapies with their patients in an objective way. © 2007 S. Karger GmbH.