Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in Western countries. A woman’s odds of getting breast cancer are one in eight.

Thankfully, due to early diagnosis, the survival rate is much better today. Many women, after having endured surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, still need to take certain medications, such as Tamoxifen or another estrogen receptor blocker, for about five years to prevent recurrence. Some experience significant side effects that frequently affect their quality of life with symptoms such as hot flashes, muscular pain, stiffness and anxiety. In some cases, the symptoms are so bad that the patient refuses to take the medication and is willing to risk the recurrence of the disease.

It’s highly unfortunate that after going through surgical procedures, and sometimes radiation or chemo- therapy or both, and thinking “Thank God it’s over”, the person realizes that side effects from taking the medicine are making her so miserable that she is not sure if she wants to continue with the treatment. 

But here is some good news: homeopathic remedies can alleviate many of the symptoms caused by taking an estrogen receptor blocker and help the person get back to important things, such as enjoying life again, while continuing to take the medicines.

Studies also show that homeopathic remedies can be effective in prevention and treatment of side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. For example, according to a study conducted by the Department of Radiation Oncology at Centre Leon Berard, in France, homeopathic Calendula ointment was found to be highly effective for the prevention of radio dermatitis (a skin reaction caused by radiation) in patients undergoing post-operative irradiation for breast cancer

In short, integrating holistic medicine with conventional treatments can help patients get through a difficult time of dealing with the reality of cancer diagnosis and treatment with as little discomfort as possible.

South Jersey Holistic offers a functional medicine approach that aims to address the root causes of many health conditions. Well-proven and safe modalities such as homeopathy, acupuncture and biopuncture are employed.

South Jersey Holistic is located at Pavilions of Voorhees, 2301 E. Evesham Rd., Bdg. 800, Ste. 219, in Voorhees. For more information or to schedule a free, 15-minute information session, call 856-528-2258 or visit SouthJerseyHolistic.com.