A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. You likely have so many questions, and it can be a fearful time. At Lindgren Functional Medicine, the first thing we want to say is that this is totally normal, and we are here for you.
When you’re ready to start thinking about treatment options for breast cancer, understanding your options can empower you to make informed decisions about your health. Luckily, there are so many ways to treat breast cancer, so you can choose a treatment method that is most comfortable for you. Most people benefit from a personalized treatment plan that combines several different options of treatment for breast cancer.
At our clinic in Green Bay, we believe in an integrative approach to cancer care—one that combines the best of conventional medicine with holistic therapies to optimize healing and resilience. With our focus on alternative methods, we’ll work closely with your oncology team to administer complementary treatments that help you feel most comfortable and supported as you undergo treatment. Keep reading to learn more about the different treatment options for breast cancer and how to create a strategy that supports your body through recovery.
Conventional Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
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Surgery
Surgery is often the first-line treatment option for breast cancer, especially if you have a localized tumor that can be removed rather easily with a procedure. There are different types of surgery, and you and your doctor will select one depending on your cancer stage and personal preference:
- Lumpectomy: This removes only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue, preserving most of the breast.
- Mastectomy: This removes one or both breasts, sometimes including nearby lymph nodes if cancer has spread there.
- Lymph Node Removal: If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, these may be removed to prevent further spread.
Surgery is often followed by additional treatment options for breast cancer to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated.
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors before surgery. It may be recommended for those with advanced-stage breast cancer or for tumors that need to be reduced before surgery. Additionally, if you have an aggressive breast cancer, your doctor may recommend chemo.
While chemotherapy is effective because it is powerful, its aggression can cause intense side effects. Patients may experience fatigue, nausea, and immune suppression. A teaser: This is where complementary therapies can change the game for breast cancer patients by mitigating these side effects.
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Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy targets and destroys cancer cells in a specific area of the body. It is commonly used …
- After a lumpectomy to prevent recurrence
- To target remaining cancer cells post-surgery
- To manage pain in metastatic breast cancer
Radiation can cause skin irritation, fatigue, and inflammation, but there are plenty of supportive care strategies that can help minimize these effects.
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Hormone Therapy
Some breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, meaning they grow in response to estrogen or progesterone. Doctors can use hormone therapies to slow or remit these types of cancers. Hormone therapy works by doing the following:
- Blocking hormone receptors on cancer cells
- Lowering estrogen levels in the body
- Preventing cancer recurrence in hormone-sensitive cases
Common hormone therapy drugs include tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors.
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Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
Newer treatment options for breast cancer focus on targeting specific genetic markers in breast cancer cells, making treatment more precise. These include the following:
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) attack HER2-positive breast cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: This boosts the immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively.
These therapies can be game-changers for certain types of breast cancer.
Holistic and Functional Medicine Approaches to Breast Cancer Treatment
Conventional treatment options for breast cancer are powerful tools, but many people also benefit from holistic therapies that support overall health and healing. Functional medicine addresses the whole body, helping patients tolerate treatments better and improve long-term wellness.
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Nutrition and Anti-Inflammatory Diets
Diet plays a critical role in cancer recovery. A functional medicine approach emphasizes the following:
- Whole, nutrient-dense foods can help support immunity and cell repair.
- Anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats will be easy on your tummy if you’re battling chemo nausea.
- Limitation of sugar and processed foods doesn’t have to compromise your happiness. If there’s any time for comfort food, this is it! We’ll talk about a balanced diet that combines your comfort food with the nutrients your body needs.
- For some patients, fasting-mimicking diets may enhance the effects of chemotherapy.
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Detoxification and Gut Health
Breast cancer treatment options can put stress on the liver and gut, making detoxification essential. Key strategies include the following:
- Liver-supportive herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion root
- Probiotics and fiber-rich foods to maintain a healthy gut microbiome
- Hydration and infrared sauna therapy to help eliminate toxins
These strategies can support your body in getting rid of junk and keeping in what it needs.
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Mind-Body Therapies for Stress Reduction
A cancer diagnosis brings emotional and mental stress. Functional medicine emphasizes the mind-body connection, and we advise therapies such as the following:
- Acupuncture to relieve pain and nausea
- Meditation and deep breathing to reduce stress
- Yoga and gentle movement to support lymphatic drainage
Reducing stress can enhance the body’s natural healing ability and improve treatment outcomes.
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Integrative Therapies for Immune Support
Boosting the immune system is essential for fighting cancer. Some evidence-based integrative therapies to support immune function include the following:
- High-dose vitamin therapy
- Oxygen therapy
- PEMF therapy for tissue healing
These therapies should always be discussed with a functional medicine practitioner to ensure they complement other treatments.
Combining Conventional and Holistic Treatments for the Best Outcomes
For most people, the best treatment options for breast cancer involve a combination of conventional and holistic approaches. An example plan looks a little something like this:
- Surgery or chemotherapy to target cancer cells directly
- Nutritional therapy to strengthen the body
- Detoxification and immune support to enhance recovery
- Mind-body techniques to reduce stress and improve resilience
At Lindgren in Green Bay, we take a personalized approach to cancer care, helping patients explore both conventional and functional medicine options.
Get the Best of Both Worlds at Lindgren
If you or a loved one is battling breast cancer, alternative therapies can make your treatment journey much more comfortable. Want to learn more about traditional oncology care combined with functional medicine? There’s more on our website here. We’re committed to supporting patients with holistic cancer care.
Your journey to healing starts with the right support. Let’s create a plan that works for you. Call us at 920-737-1625 if you are ready to begin.
