Ayurvedic treatment for breast cancer
What is Breast?
The size and shape of the breast can vary greatly depending on an individual genetics, age, and the changes in hormonal status of an individual. Breast is an important part of the female reproductive system, as they produce and further secrete milk. Milk is important for complete nourishment and growth of an infant. Breast Cancer is a commonest concern in females, and periodic self-breast re-examination and mammograms help and aid in early diagnosis of the breast cancer. Early detection of the breast cancer can deliver better prognosis, and even cure.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer if not detected and treated early can spread to other parts of the body, and can prove potentially life threatening and debilitating. However, if breast cancer is detected and treated early it can be even curable, and possible chances of recovery can be good. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump or a mass with thickening in the breast or underarm, abnormal discharge from the nipple, abnormal changes in the size and shape of the breast etc.
Higher incidence of breast cancer in many women’s, most probably appears to be related to be of hormonal effects of the female reproductive system, and even in particular ‘endogenous estrogens’. Risk factors for breast cancer is increase if menarche (onset of menstruation cycle) is in early age, nulliparity (not having any kids) or late age of full term pregnancy, and or even late age menopause (when the menses stops). Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) most probably given in post-menopausal women for osteoporosis or vaginal dryness can increase can or may increase the risk of cancer.
Breast Cancer Statistics Worldwide
It is well known fact that breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Further is mentioned some statistics of breast cancer worldwide, and in India:
- According to World Health Organization (WHO) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), breast cancer is the most common cancer across women worldwide, and in even in India too. It is estimated that approximately more than 2 million cases will be diagnosed yearly. It is even estimated that 1 in 28 women in India are at a risk of developing Breast Cancer during their lifetime.
- Breast Cancer cases in India accounts for nearly 14% of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in India, and further results in 7% of all cancer related deaths in India.
- Worldwide, the highest incidence of Cancer is found in Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Caledonia, and the United States. The highest mortality due to cancer related deaths is found in Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Tunisia, and the United States.
- In India, recent statistics suggest increase of breast cancer cases in urban India, and is gradually becoming increasingly common in young women’s. The age-standardized incidence rate of breast cancer is 25.8 per 1, 00,000 women’s, and the age-standardized mortality rate is 12.7 per 100,000 women’s is noted in India.
- According to American Cancer Society, the 5-year overall survival is 99% for a diagnosed case as a localized breast cancer in women’s, and the further 5-year overall survival for diagnosed case as a regional breast cancer case is 86%, and 28% for a case diagnosed as distant breast cancer or a metastatic spread. Unfortunately, in India the 5-year overall survival for a breast cancer case is 66%.
A proper collection and analysis of the statistics of the breast cancer cases is need of the hour for improving the breast cancer treatment related outcomes. The same data can be utilized by the government agencies for better implementation of breast cancer related awareness programmes and improving better access to health care services thereby facilitating early detection of the breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Epidemiology
- Incidence: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women worldwide, and it is estimated that more than 2 million cases will be diagnosed yearly which will be approximately around 11.7% of all new cancer cases diagnosed. The incidence of breast cancer varies greatly by the region, and the country too. Incidence of breast cancer is higher in urban areas due to industrialization and proper diagnostic facilities.
- Mortality: Breast cancer is a 05th leading cause of cancer related death globally, and it is estimated that there will be around 0.7 million breast cancer related deaths yearly. Gradually with the advent of new treatment modalities, mortality rates has been declining due better screening and treatment facilities.
- Age: Breast cancer can happen at any age of the life but statistics suggest that as the age increases so the risk of breast cancer. The majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed after 50 years of age, and the median age of diagnosis is 62 years of age.
- Gender: Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but mostly affects women’s and 1% of men’s are also affected.
- Risk Factors: There are several risk factors of breast cancer including age, smoking, drinking alcohol, obesity etc.
Breast Cancer Causative Factors
Breast cancer is a disease of complex in nature, and the factors predisposing to breast cancer is not fully understood. However, there are multiple factors which have been found to increase the risk or predisposition to breast cancer. Some of the known causative factors for breast cancer are:
1) Age: It is well known fact that as the age increases so the risk of breast cancer. The maximum number of breast cancer cases are diagnosed after the age of 50 years, and the median age of diagnosis is 62 years old.
2) Family history: Family history of breast cancer in a women predisposes her to an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
3) Hormonal Factors: Exposure to increased dose of estrogen and progesterone during Hormonal Replacement Therapy can increase the risk of predisposition to cancer.
4) Lifestyle factors: Sedentary lifestyle, a high fat diets, obesity, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption etc. increases the risk to developing breast cancer.
Other known factors which predispose to breast cancer are radiation exposure, personal history, genetic mutations etc.
Genetic mutations which predisposes to Breast Cancer
Cancer is called a disease of genetic mutations, and its associated tumor microenvironment which plays a vital role in tumor cells proliferation and growth. Genetic mutations can be acquired during course of the life of the person and it mostly affects as the age progresses. Genetic mutations can be inherited too, and generally it affects in early stages of life like Retinoblastoma etc.
- Inherited mutations: It well known fact that some families have higher incidence of cancer due certain inherited genetic mutations passing down in the family lines. For example, inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase an individual risk to ovarian cancer, breast cancer etc.
- Familial cancer syndrome: Some families have a higher incidence of cancer due to inherited mutations in certain genes. For example:
- Lynch Syndrome: Lynch Syndrome, which is even known as Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) is caused by inherited mutation in genes responsible for DNA Repair. These genes are called mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Such mutations increases the individual risk to certain type of cancer like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, uterine cancer etc.
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) in one of the rare genetic disorders that predisposes a individual to several type of cancers. It basically involves inherited mutations in known tumor suppressor gene called TP53. Certain types of cancers which are found in high incidence in Li-Fraumeni syndrome are Breast cancer, Sarcoma (soft tissue and bone cancer), Brain tumors, Leukemia etc.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer can vary across wide range but some signs and symptoms are common which is mentioned further:
- A lump or a mass in the breast or underarm.
- Changes in the size and the shape of the breast.
- Abnormal or foul smelling discharge in the nipple.
- Appearance of dimple over the skin of the breast.
- Pain in the breast or nipple.
Other common symptoms are swelling or warmth in the breast, inverted nipples etc.
It is important to note that all the above mentioned symptoms could be present in wide range of diseases, so it is important to consult a health care provider.
Types of Breast Cancer
There are several types of breast cancer which includes:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This is a non-invasive breast cancer and grows within milk ducts.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of cancer of milk ducts and invades the surrounding tissue.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): This type of cancer starts in the milk producing glands and invades the surrounding tissue.
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): This is a rare and aggressive in nature type of breast cancer in which breast becomes swollen, red and warm.
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): This is a type of breast cancer that tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and HER2/neu protein.
- HER2-positive breast cancer: This is a type of breast cancer that tests positive for the HER2/neu protein, and which promotes the growth of cancer cells.
- Male breast cancer. Men’s are rarely affected by breast cancer and mostly have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) type of breast cancer.
What is ‘Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)’?
Treatment of Breast Cancer
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
About Ayurveda
Ayurveda, as popularly known, is a traditional system of Indian medicine and tracks back its root over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda strongly believes and advocates that health is not just physical well-being of an individual but instead it is a collective well-being of physical, mental and spiritual aspects of an individual. An ideal health status requires harmony and balance of physical, mental and spiritual aspects of an individual.
Ayurveda advocates that the governing principle of the body is called “doshas”, and the three primary doshas mentioned in Ayurveda are – 1) Vata. 2) Pitta. 3) Kapha. These “doshas” governs the physical, mental and emotional characteristics of an individual. Let’s discuss the doshas further –
1) Vata Dosha – Vata dosha is composed of element of air and space, and it is responsible for movement, creativity and ability to communicate in an individual. When there is imbalance in Vata dosha, and if Vata Dosha is increased it can cause constipation, dry skin, joint pain, anxiety and insomnia. If Vata dosha is prominent in an individual then the body will be of medium build, dry skin and with cold body temperatures.
2) Pitta Dosha – Pitta Dosha is composed of elements of fire and water, and it is responsible for digestion, metabolism and transformation in an individual. When there is imbalance in Pitta Dosha, and if Pitta Dosha is increased it can cause burning sensation in the heart, inflammation, skin rash and impatience. If Pitta dosha is prominent in an individual then his body will be of medium build, oily and with warm body temperatures.
3) Kapha Dosha – Kapha Dosha is composed of elements of earth and water, and it is responsible for stability, lubrication and nourishment in an individual. When there is imbalance in Kapha Dosha, and if Kapha Dosha is increased it can cause weight gain, chest congestion, depression and lethargy. If Kapha Dosha is prominent in an individual then his body will be of heavy build, soft skin and slow metabolism.
The ultimate goal of Ayurveda in treatment of cancer is to identify the root cause of the cancer, or the factor responsible for the imbalance in dosha or doshas. To balance or to achieve harmony in doshas ayurveda recommends tailored or personalized approach through meticulous history taking, physical and mental examination. Ayurveda has multiple treatment modalities which has stood the tide of the time, and as it is based on strong principles found in the nature.
Ayurvedic treatment for breast cancer/आयुर्वेद में स्तन कैंसर या अर्बुद
In Ayurveda, Breast Cancer is called as Stana Arbuda (स्तन अर्बुद) or arbuda of breast. Arbuda, as defined is Sushrut Nidansthana Chapter 11 is caused due asamyak ahara and vihara or improper diet and lifestyle which further leads to vitiation or imbalance of the doshas in the body, and it further afflicts the Mansha Dhatu thereby producing a swelling or induration which is circular, fixed to the base, mild painful, big in size and grows slowly, and the most important of all that it doesn’t resolves or achieve pakva-awastha, as mentioned in Ayurveda.
As further mentioned in Ayurveda, Vata dosha is responsible for initiation (प्रेरणा) of cell division, and the Kapha Dosha is responsible for providing necessary building blocks or organic materials required for the cell division in the body. Cancer, as defined in modern science is abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation or growth of cells and results is swelling or induration which doesn’t resolves and gradually increases in size over time. So, we can infer that cancer or arbuda (अर्बुद) is causes prominently by vitiation of Kapha and Vata dosha.
In Ayurveda a concept of updhatu is also mentioned, and further the updhatu is derived from two words the prefix ‘Upa’ and the word ‘Dhatu’. It means ‘Updhatu’ has a close resemblance or proximity of the ‘Dhatu’, which is actual building block of the body or in the short it can be stated that ‘updhatus’ have evolved from ‘dhatus’. So any disease or imbalance in the dhatus can further effect the updhatus. For example, Hair (Kesh) and Nail (Nakh) is updhatu of Asthi Dhatu. So as per Ayurveda any dushti or imbalance in Asthi Dhatu will further effect hair (kesh) and nail (nakh). And so accordingly based on the same principle for friable hair and nail a drug like ‘Asthi Poshak Vati’ is prescribed.
According to Ayurvedic principles, breast and its milk (स्तन और स्तन का दूध) is updhatu of Rasadhatu (रस धातु), and so factors which creates impurities or dusthi in Rasa Dhatu needs to be considered for successful treatment of Breast Cancer in Ayurveda.
रसवह स्रोतस विकृति के कारण (Reason for vitiation of Rasavaha Strotas)
Treatment of Breast Cancer in Ayurveda / आयुर्वेद में ब्रेस्ट कैंसर का इलाज
The history of Ayurveda is centuries old, and is a well-known indigenous system of Indian medicine. Ayurveda is quite effective in preventing or suppressing different types of neoplasm or tumors. Modern day researchers, clinicians and practitioners are keen to know about effectiveness of ‘Ayurveda in Cancer’, but ayurveda can only be learned through its governing principles which is based on the wisdom of the nature.
The main goal of Ayurveda therapy is to find the cause of a Cancer while the therapeutic approach of Ayurveda is simply divided into three major categories
- Oral medications
- Panchakarma Treatment
- Local Application
Ayurvedic Oral Medications for Breast Cancer
There are multiple herbs and herbo-metallic compounds mentioned in Ayurveda text which can help to treat or even cure Breast Cancer depending on the stage of disease. Below we will discuss few such medicines which is beneficial in Breast Cancer.
- Berberis aristata (Daruharidra or Daruhaldi) in Breast Cancer
Berberis aristata, which is also known as Indian Barbery, is a shrub found in Himalayan region of India, Nepal and Pakistan. Its vast medicinal properties is known since many centuries to Ayurvedic Practitioners. It is successfully used in different ailments, and the knowledge about its medicinal properties is profound. The stem, roots and the bark of the Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata) contains different alkaloids like berberine which has shown to have antifungal, antiviral, and the anti-inflammatory properties.
Modern research have proven the effectiveness of Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata) in treating Cancer. Scientific research published has found that Berberine inhibited the growth of Colon Cancer and Breast Cancer in vitro, so proving that Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata) is promising anti-cancer ayurvedic plant.
Many different formulations of Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata) are mentioned in Ayurveda which can be successfully used in breast cancer patients, and one such formulation is Rasanjan (रसांजन).
Rasanjan (रसांजन) in Breast Cancer
Rasanjan is prepared from Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata) in two steps. In first step decoction of Daruharidra is prepared from boiling stem bark with water under moderate flame. When decoction of Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata) is ready then equal amount of cow milk is added, and the mixture is boiled again under medium flamed until a semi solid consistency is achieved. Later it is sun dried, and the pills can be prepared from the same.
Rasanjan is pungent and bitter in taste, and have chedana (scrapping) and rasayana (rejuvenative) in properties. Rasanjan has good antiseptic properties, and has good wound healing properties. Rasanjan can proves to be beneficial as local application in fungating breast cancer, and as an oral medication drug in further in treatment of breast cancer.
- Withania Somnifera Ashwagandha) in Breast Cancer
Withania somnifera which is also known as Ashwagandha in Ayurveda is a native plant of dry regions of India, Pakistan and the Sri Lanka. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used in Ayurvedic system of medicine since centuries and is one of the most important used ayurvedic supplements in current era. Ashwagandha is beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety, and further improves the brain function. It can also prove beneficial in breast cancer patients through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha is proven to improve cognitive function and enhance physical endurance.
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) has many potential benefits in cancer patients. Its anti-cancer properties include the ability to inhibit the growth of the cancer cells and induce cell deaths through apoptosis. Ashwagandha has been found to be immuno-stimulatory thereby helping in the fight against the cancer. It is also well known fact that Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) helps to reduce the side effects of modern cancer treatment like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It also helps to cope up with nausea and vomiting which is one of the major side effects of modern cancer treatment.
Many different formulations of Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) are mentioned in Ayurveda which can be successfully used in breast cancer patients, and one such formulation is Ashwagandha Pak (अश्वगंधा पाक).
Ashwagandha Pak (अश्वगंधा पाक) in Lung Cancer
Ashwagandha Pak (अश्वगंधा पाक) is prepared by taking Ashwagandha powder and many other ayurvedic medicinal herbal powder, and also sugar is taken and it is mixed well. Cow milk is added and the mixture is started boiling in water over medium flame. When a semi solid consistency is achieved, then Ashwagandha Pak (अश्वगंधा पाक) is ready and the mixture is allowed to cool down, and further it achieves granulation form.
Ashwagandha Pak (अश्वगंधा पाक) can be consumed daily 10 to 20 gms with milk, and is useful in many disorders like deteriorating cognitive and physical endurance in breast cancer patients. Ashwagandha Pak (अश्वगंधा पाक) improves sleep cycle, and further reduces stress and anxiety in breast cancer patients.
Rasamanikya (रसमाणिक्य) in Breast Cancer
Rasamanikya is one of the most famous preparation in Ayurveda and is frequently used by many Ayurvedic Physicians for disease which are Vata – Kaphaj in origin like skin disorders, cough and asthma. Rasamanikya was first described in Rasendra Chintamani, an ayurvedic text, and is described to have achieved ruby color after preparation.
Rasamanikya is prepared by taking Shuddha Hartal (As2S3), and keeping it between two sheets of mica (abhrak patra), and is further heated to high temperatures. At the end of the process a ruby colored consistency is achieved, and it is called Rasamanikya. Rasamanikya is beneficial in chronic fevers, cough, difficulty in breathing, piles, fissures etc. Rasamanikya acts by exerting cytotoxic effects against cancer cells.
Panchakarma for Breast Cancer
Panchakarma is a traditional system of Ayurvedic Therapy, and it involves series of procedures which helps to detoxify the body by cleansing and rejuvenating it. Detoxification through Panchakarma improves health and mental well-being on an individual, and thereby proves beneficial in breast cancer patients. Panchakarma is also known to treat the root cause of breast cancer by removing the dustha doshas which cause Breast Cancer. Panchakarma means ‘Five Actions or Procedures’. The five procedures includes – 1) Vamana. 2) Virechana. 3) Basti. 4) Nasya. 5) Raktamokshan.
- Vaman or Vamana Karma in Breast Cancer
Vamana Karma, is a therapeutic procedure mentioned in Panchakarma that involves induced and controlled vomiting after administering Ayurvedic medications in semi-solid paste, powder or decoction form. Vamana Karma helps to detoxify the body thus eliminating mucus and different toxins collectively called ‘Dustha Kapha’.
In Vamana Karma after administering the Ayurvedic semi-solid paste, powder, or in decoction form, large amounts of ayurvedic medicated liquids is given. After some time vomiting starts involuntarily and after elimination of the dustha doshas, vomiting episodes ceases on its own.
If Breast Cancer is detected in early stages then Surgical Resection is the viable option of the Cancer Nodule, and after that generally Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy is advised. Prior to Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy a Vaman Karma can be given to have a maximum effect over residual Cancer.
Ayurvedic treatment for Breast Cancer has cured many cases and it’s also safe. Ayurvedic treatment does not involve surgery or radiations.
Further, even if Cancer is in advances stage, and has metastasized, in such condition Surgery doesn’t serve any purpose. In such condition Vaman Karma should be advised prior to starting Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.
- Virechana Karma in Breast Cancer
Virechana Karma, is another therapeutic procedure mentioned in Panchakarma, and it involves induced and controlled purgation’s after administering Ayurvedic medications in semi-solid, paste, and or decoction form. Virechana Karma helps in eliminating excess heat (ushanata) and pitta dosha (dustha dosha) from the body. Virechana Karma also helps in Kostha Suddhi thereby benefiting breast cancer patients. Virechana Karma can also benefit in chronic constipation and digestive disorders in breast cancer patients.
If we want to treat Breast Cancer based on Ayurvedic Principles then Bhallatak Milk Formula is one of the mode of treatment. For Bhallatak Milk Formula Kostha shuddhi is important. So for Kostha Suddhi nothing is as better than Virechana.
Local Applications in Breast Cancer
- Dashang Lepa (दशांग लेप) in Breast Cancer
As we all know Dashang Lepa is easily available formulation and in Ayurveda is mentioned in Vranashopa Disease (Inflammatory condition due wound). It helps in Vranashopa due to stanik dosha pachana. Further it is well known fact that cancer is called wound that doesn’t heals, so Dashang Lepa can effectively works as a local application in Breast Cancer cases.
About Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’
Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ comprises of group of researchers and practitioners who have come together for the larger benefit of the society. Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ is deeply and sincerely involved into researching potential benefit and developing different modalities in treatment of cancer through Ayurveda. Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ is striving to fulfill the long lived dream of offering personalized ‘Ayurveda Cancer Care’ to an individual.
Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ emphasizes over the principles of management of cancer through ayurveda which are by evaluating the root cause of the cancer, enhancing the immunity, and the most important of all improving the quality of life of the cancer patients. Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ also idealizes over the principles of developing customized diet and lifestyle chart for the cancer patients to further increase the affectivity of the treatment.
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