Natural Breast Cancer Treatments – The Role of Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies
ABSTRACT
One cannot imagine a disease more devastating than cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. WHO (World Health Organization) states that more than 20 lakh females were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. In 2020, in India, breast cancer accounted for 13.5% of all types of cancer. Its incidence is increasing in younger women. Epidemiological data shows that more than 25 in every one lakh women develop breast cancer. In Ayurveda, cancer isn’t mentioned specifically but it can be correlated with a group of diseases like Arbuda (tumor or cancer), Granthi (glandular cyst), Galganda (goiter), Gulma (lump) etc. Breast cancer can be categorized under ‘Stanaroga’ or ‘Granthyarbudha’. In this article we will study the concept of breast cancer according to both Modern and Ayurveda viewpoint along with the motivating journey of Tahira kashyap; how she battled with this aggressive condition.
INTRODUCTION
Cancer is the condition of abnormal cell growth which spreads to various parts of the body without any regulation. Breast carcinoma is the most common invasive cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. It is estimated that by 2030, breast cancer will cause more deaths among women than any other chronic disease in India. The risk of breast carcinoma increases with age. Non-cancerous breast lumps are also quite common; they increase the chances of developing cancer later on. Women with dense breasts are more likely to develop this disease. Women who consume alcohol regularly possess a higher risk than occasional drinkers. Breast carcinoma majorly originates in the upper and outer quadrant of the breast with the incidence of 38.5%. It may occur at any age after puberty but is usually seen after 40 years of age. Males also have small amounts of breast tissue but it is rare for males to develop breast cancer.
SYMPTOMS
- Lump or mass in the breast is usually painless
- Pain or discomfort may be present if the mass is bigger in size. Only advanced stages or inflammatory carcinoma is painful in nature
- Discolored, dry or flaky skin on the breast or nipple
- Thickening of the breast area
- Nipple discharge
- Backache
- Chest pain and dyspnoea
- Jaundice or ascites
- Coughing up blood (Haemoptysis)
- Skin irritation or dimpling
SIGNS
- Enlarged lymph nodes (axillary or left supraclavicular).
- Retraction of nipple
TYPES OF BREAST CANCER
There are numerous methods for the classification of breast cancer. Based on origin, it is of two types
1. Ductal Breast Carcinoma : It is the most common form of breast cancer. 85-90% cases detected are of ductal origin. It is of further ‘In-situ’ and ‘Invasive’ type. Cancers like mucinous carcinoma, papillary, tubular come under this category.
2. Lobular Breast Carcinoma : It is also subdivided into ‘In-situ’ and ‘Invasive’ form. It is not as common as ductal.
CAUSES
The exact cause of breast cancer is still unknown. There are certain aspects that increase the risk of breast cancer like hormonal changes and lifestyle choices. However, it is seen that many people who don’t possess any risk factors get cancer and others with risk factors never face this horrible disease.
DIAGNOSIS
Tumors don’t generally become palpable until they are more than 1 cm in diameter. It reflects on the importance of physical examination in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Here are some imaging tests for the detection of breast carcinoma
- Ultrasound – It is only useful in differentiating between solid and cystic swelling.
- Mammography – It is useful in older ladies with large and fatty breasts where palpation is not effective.
- MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
- Xeroradiography – it is similar to mammography
- Thermography – The skin over malignant tumors is usually warmer than the surrounding area. Hence, it is used to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors.
- Biopsy – The detected mass is tested for malignancy.
- FNAC (Fine needle aspiration cytology) – It is a routine investigation in all breast lump cases. It is used to detect malignancy.
RISK FACTORS
- Age : Incidence of breast cancer increases with advancing age.
- Obesity : Being overweight increases the risk.
- Nulliparity : Nulliparous women are at 1.5 times more risk than parous women.
- Menstrual History : Girls who reached menarche at a younger age like before 12 years carry higher risk than the ones reaching at a later age.
- Radiation exposure : Radiation can increase the risk.
- Women who never breastfed have a higher risk.
- Estrogen replacement therapy.
- History of any other type of cancer.
- Mutation of BRCA 1 and 2 gene
COMPLICATIONS
- Cancer mass can put pressure on various body parts such as nerves which causes unbearable sharp pain in the body.
- Breast cancer commonly spreads to the bones this can lead to an aching pain in the bones. Reabsorption rate of the bone increases resulting in thinning and weakening of bones.
- It is rare but if the cancer cells are growing near the spine they can compress the associated nerves leading to numbness, difficulty walking etc.
- Breast cancer cells can spread to lungs causing shortness of breath and chest pain or recurrent cough.
- When cancer cells reach the liver they can affect liver functioning and lead to weight loss, jaundice etc.
- Can least to brain metastases that can impair vision, memory and even behavior.
LINE OF TREATMENT
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
Anticancer drugs cause numerous side-effects that decrease the patient’s quality of life. Here, Ayurveda can be of enormous help by aiding in the reduction of tumor growth without any side effects.
AYURVEDA ASPECT
Acharya Charaka states that sometimes it becomes difficult to label a particular disease so a doctor should treat the symptom complex. Diseases like Arbuda, Granthi, Gulma, Vranashotha etc show signs and symptoms similar to tumors. Breast cancer is closely related to arbuda and can be called Stana arbuda. When vitiated Doshas localize, it produces a swelling which is rounded, fixed, painless or slightly painful, big in size, broad at the base, slow growing and does not suppurate. It is deep seated and takes place by Mamsa (muscle tissues) and Medo Dhatu (adipose tissues) dushti. This tumor or neoplasm is called Arbuda. Formation of such mass in the breast is called Stana arbuda.
CAUSATIVE FACTORS OF SHUSHKA AKSHIPAK
- Drinking cold water when hungry.
- Vata aggravating foods.
- Due to weakness caused by fever, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Performing shodhan karma (purification process) without poorvakarma (preparation/pre-procedures) like snehana (oleation) and swedana (sudation).
- Suppression of natural urges like urine, feces etc.
- Excessive grief, anxiety, fear.
ORIGIN OF DISEASE
Acharya Sushruta explains the etiopathogenesis of arbuda
वृत्तं स्थिरं मन्दरुजं चिरवृद्धय्पाकम् ||
कुर्वन्ति मांसोपचयं तु शोफं तदर्बुदं शास्त्रविदो वदन्ति |
वातेन पित्तेन कफेन चापि रक्त्तेन मांसेन च मेदसा च ||
तज्जायते तस्य च लक्षणानि ग्रन्थे: समानानि सदा भवन्ति ||’’
Acharya Sushruta says that the vitiated Doshas in the body badly inflict the mamsa dhatu (muscle tissues) that gives rise to growth which is swollen, circular, immobile, slightly painful, big, spread towards other tissues, slow growing and never suppurates. This growth resembles Granthi and is formed due to vitiated tridoshas, mamsa and meda dhatu.
DOSHA INVOLVED
Tridosha with Kapha dosha predominance.
TREATMENT
The line of treatment Breast Cancer is
- Nidana Parivarjan (Prevention of Causative Factors)
- Shodhan Chikitsa (Purification methods i.e. Panchkarma) such as Vaman (emesis) and Virechan (purgation).
- Shaman Chikitsa (Medicinal Treatment) with herbs and minerals like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Tulsi (ocimum sanctum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Ras Manikya etc.
- Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenative Treatment) with formulations like Brahm Rasayana, Ashwagandha Rasayama, Amritaprasham, etc
JOURNEY OF TAHIRA KASHYAP WITH BREAST CANCER
Tahira Kashyap is a writer, filmmaker and the wife of Ayushmann Khurranna. In 2018, Tahira was 35 and was diagnosed in Mumbai with breast cancer when she realized that her right breast became heavy. As any other normal person she tried to research about her condition on the internet. After the imaging tests, her condition was confirmed. She was suffering from in-situ ductal carcinoma. There are no familial factors in her case. Earlier she was in a pre-cancerous stage but soon reached stage 1A. Tahira with her family decided to fight this terrifying disease. She has her mastectomy (removal of breast tissue) done. Tashira endured all her pains like a brave soldier. But this wasn’t enough, she had to go through chemotherapy also. After 6 sittings of chemotherapy, she started experiencing extreme hairfall and fatigue. She kept her fans updated through social media in her journey. After a total of 12 chemo sittings Tahira was liberated from cancer. She is extremely happy and proud of her courage and strength.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR BREAST CANCER BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda offers numerous herbal supplements and medicinal products formulated using traditional Ayurvedic principles and potent herbs. Planet Ayurveda provides you with these herbal remedies in order to treat Breast Cancer. These remedies also help curb the distressing symptoms of the condition
- Kanchnaar Guggul
- Chandraprabha Vati
- Curcumin Capsules
- Guggul Capsules
- Tulsi Capsules
- Ashwagandha Capsules
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1. Kanchnaar Guggul
This is an ancient Ayurveda medicine famous for its use in treating abnormal growth in the body. It has a cytotoxic effect on cell division. It also inhibits the growth of unwanted mass in the body. The ingredients in Kanchnaar Guggul are Kanchnar Bark (Bauhinia Variegata), Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis) etc.
Dosage : 2 tablets thrice a day with water after meals.
2. Chandraprabha Vati
This tablet is quite famous in Ayurveda practice. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in altered Kapha metabolism and aids in breast cancer by shrinking malignant cells.
Dosage : 2 tablets thrice a day.
3. Curcumin Capsules
Curcumin Capsules contain potent extract of curcumin (Curcuma longa) which is known to have anticancer properties. It is more than capable of destroying cancerous cells. It also helps in drug resistance condition which is often found in cancer patients.
Dosage : 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Guggul Capsules
Guggul capsules contain the extract of an effective herb known as Guggul (Commiphora mukul). It has antioxidant properties that will help remove free radicals and reduce cancer proliferation. It is Kapha pacifying in nature which as we know is the main Dosha in all types of cancers. It will also help to reduce the side effects of chemical therapies in typical cancer treatment.
Dosage : 2 capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.
5. Tulsi Capsules
Tulsi capsules comprise the potent extract of Tulsi (Ocimum santum). Tulsi is analgesic and anti-inflammatory in nature which will help in all kinds of pains experienced by the patient. Tulsi is full of anti-cancer abilities and performs the process of apoptosis without harming the healthy cells.
Dosage : 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
6. Ashwagandha Capsules
Ashwagandha Capsules contain standardized extract of Ashwagandha (Winthania somnifera). Ashwagandha also shows anti-cancer action by its anti-oxidant property. Due to this, the free radicals that are known to support cancer are removed by this herb. It also provides strength and immunity to the body in order to fight this terrifying condition.
Dosage : 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
CONCLUSION
Breast cancer represents a significant global health challenge, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world with an estimated 2.26 million cases recorded in 2020 and is the leading cause of cancer mortality among females. Being the most common cancer in women worldwide it is still preventable and treatable if detected at an early stage. This article has been focused on all the points related to breast cancer as per Ayurveda and Modern. The classical approach of Ayurveda supports internal healing, boosts immunity, promotes general health balance and speeds up recovery. In this journey Planet Ayurveda will help you greatly with its pack of herbal formulations.
