Tag: Symptoms of breast cancer

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.

Breast Cancer

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

‘‘गात्रप्रदेशे क्वचिदेव दोषा: सम्मूर्च्छिता मांसमभिप्रदूष्य |
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 ||’’
(Sushruta Samhita, Nidanasthana 11/13-15)

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

  1. Kanchnaar Guggul
  2. Chandraprabha Vati
  3. Curcumin Capsules
  4. Guggul Capsules
  5. Tulsi Capsules
  6. Ashwagandha Capsules


Crab Care Pack

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.

National And International Celebrities Diagnosed With Breast Cancer & It’s Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

Cancer is a life threatening disease in which the body cells of a particular part of the body grow uncontrollably and if remain untreatable, start spreading to the other parts of the body. Cancer consists of two types of cells: the benign and the malignant one. The malignant one invades into other cells and metastasis occurs with which they start spreading throughout the whole body. The benign growths do not get invaded and they don’t spread. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, it may be benign or malignant like other cancers. Mahima Chaudhary was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Let us read more about breast cancer and its Ayurvedic management.

Breast Cancer

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

Breast cancer is one of the types of cancer which occurs in the breast involving one or both the breasts. One thing to keep in mind is that not all breast cancers are malignant. The benign growths are the abnormal growths not cancerous and do not spread out from the breast. These are not life-threatening but some of the benign growths if not managed may lead to the malignant one. It is a must to check out any of the breast lumps to reduce the risk of cancer. Further we are going to discuss some facts about breast cancer that one must know.

FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER

  • Breast Cancer – The second leading cause of death among all cancers.
  • It is one of the most common cancers in women in the US (United states).
  • The number of cancer cases in women (264,000) is more than men (2,400).
  • In the US 500 men and 42,000 women die from cancer every year. Black women are at a higher rate of death by breast cancer than women who are white.
  • Hundreds of thousand women are diagnosed every year with breast cancer.
  • Risk of developing breast cancer increases as the age increases.
  • If family history is positive about breast cancer then there is a 50% chance of developing the same.
  • Symptoms vary in each individual.

SOME NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PERSONALITIES DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER

Some National actresses Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

  • Mahima Chaudhary: She is the recently diagnosed Indian personality who speaks to her fans in the video with Anupam Kher about her diagnosis with breast cancer. The actress is known from her famous movie pardes, lajja and dhadkan among all other movies done by her. He is in the early stage of breast cancer and is undergoing treatment now.
  • Hamsa Nandini: Hamsa nandini a telugu actress diagnosed with breast cancer in the year 2021. She is diagnosed with grade 3 invasive breast cancer. Now she is going through chemotherapy.
  • Tahira Kashyap: Tahira kashyap wife of Anshuman Khurana was diagnosed with breast cancer in the year 2018. The stage of cancer is 0 but she didn’t hide it and decided to share it to inspire women worldwide. Since the time she was diagnosed, started taking treatment and completed her battle with cancer in the year 2019.

Some International actresses Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

  • Sheryl Crow: Sheryl crow – A rock musician having no family history of cancer but she feels a dense breast tissue and went for mammogram in the year 2006 and then tested for tissue biopsy which clears the diagnosis. For treatment she went through a lumpectomy and 7 weeks of radiotherapy.
  • Robin Roberts: A famous personality from America felt a lump in her breast by self examination in the year 2007. After that she went for diagnostic tests, she was diagnosed with fast growing triple-negative cancer. Then she went through a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After her speaking on her self examination 40% cases of breast cancer are catched.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BREAST CANCER?

There is no such cause of breast cancer but One of the major causes of developing breast cancer is gene mutations. About 5-10% of cases pass via genes through the families. The gene named BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. Some of the conditions are more likely to attain breast cancer which is known as the risk factor for a particular disease. Following are some of the risk factors that make it at a chance of developing breast cancer:

  • Increasing age
  • Any history of breast condition
  • Past history of breast cancer
  • Radiation exposure
  • Obesity
  • Early menstruation
  • Late menopause
  • Being pregnant at earlier age
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Dense breasts
  • Smoking

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER?

Symptoms in each patient of breast cancer varies, may experience the following symptoms:

  • Feeling of lump in the underarm or breast
  • Inverted nipple
  • Change in shape, size or appearance
  • Scaling, peeling, flaking or crusting of the affected skin area of the surrounding skin of the nipple or even breast
  • Pitting of the affected skin
  • Redness and skin sees like a pel of the orange
  • Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
  • Scaly, itchy rash or sore on nipple
  • Warmth, swelling, darkening or redness on the nipple

SCREENING OF BREAST CANCER

  • Self-screening: The best way to prevent yourself from breast cancer is screening. Generally it doesn’t protect you from breast cancer but may help in early detection of the cancer and in finding an easier way to treat it and making it less invasive. Self awareness about taking care of your breast is very important, if you spot any change you may immediately go for a routine checkup. It is important to check out once in a month after 1 week of your periods.
  • Clinical breast examination: The examination done by your doctor or nurse is known as a clinical examination in which they check the lymph nodes in your armpits and both the breasts. The clinical examination should be recommended every 3 yrs between the ages of 20-30 and every year after 40 year of age.
  • Diagnostic tests: Various breast diagnostic tests should be performed for clear diagnosis such as- breast ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, etc.
  • Mammography: This is a type of X-Ray in which the examination of the breast is done, this can even find a cancerous growth of very small size. If any abnormality is detected, a diagnostic technician may refer you for a mammogram for clear evaluation.
  • Diagnostic tests: Various breast diagnostic tests should be performed for clear diagnosis such as- breast ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, etc.

AYURVEDIC VIEW ON BREAST CANCER

As per ayurveda Breast cancer is correlated to the condition of Stana arbuda. Stana arbuda is of 6 types that are – vataj arbuda, pittaj arbuda, kaphaj arbuda, raktaja arbuda, mamsaja arbuda and medhaj arbuda. As per sushruta acharya the aggravation of tridosha that are vata, pitta and kapha leads to the development of malignant tumor where vata and kapha doshas are more responsible. The classical features of arbuda as per ayurveda are- it is round, large, firm, causes mild pain, slow growth, deeply rooted into the body, shows no suppuration and a flesh and swollen growth. So managing this condition as per ayurveda includes the alleviation of vata and kapha dosha and a little bit of pitta dosha.

HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT BREAST CANCER?

Cancer is considered as the constant battle all around the world along with various developments in preventive and curative therapies. As we read earlier this condition is characterized by continuous and abnormal cell multiplication in any part of the body and our body is unable to control the growth. Currently the treatment in modern science includes chemically derived drugs, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc and at last surgeries. Such type of treatment later on damages the health of the patient and puts them under stress. But in Ayurveda there is a use of pure herbal and mineral formulations that don’t cause any kind of side effects. Now we are going to discuss some of the formulations by Planet Ayurveda that helps in preventing and managing breast cancer.

CRAB CARE PACK BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified clinic which formulates their own remedies for almost all the health conditions. All the formulations are prepared under the strict observance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners. The remedies are free from any kind of additives, color, resins, gums, preservatives and any kind of synthetic material. As the remedies are 100% pure so they can be used without worrying about the side effects. For the purpose of management of breast cancer Planet Ayurveda provides a crab care pack which we are going to discuss below:

  1. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES
  2. CURCUMIN CAPSULES
  3. KANCHNAAR GUGGUL
  4. TULSI CAPSULES
  5. GUGGUL CAPSULES
  6. CHANDRAPRABHA VATI

crab-care-packCrab Care Pack

HOW CRAB CARE PACK ASSISTS IN COMBATING BREAST CANCER

The formulations in the crab care pack assist in the management of breast cancer due to their various wonderful properties. These remedies consist of miraculous kapha pacifying properties which aid in reducing the size of cancerous growth as kapha dosha is mainly responsible for any abnormal growth in the body. The herbal formulations prevent the process of angiogenesis that is the formation of new blood vessels that is the main cause of promoting cancerous growth. The immune boosting properties of the herbs boosts up the immune system and improves the strength in the body to fight against the cancerous cells. So these properties make the herbal remedies in Crab care packs beneficial for the management of breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

Cancer is considered as the constant battle all around the world along with various developments in preventive and curative therapies. Cancer is a life threatening disease in which the body cells of a particular part of the body grow uncontrollably and if remain untreatable, start spreading to the other parts of the body. Recently Mahima Chaudhary, a famous bollywood actress was diagnosed with this condition. As per ayurveda this condition is correlated to stana arbuda. Kapha dosha aggravation is the main cause behind the abnormal growth of the breast cells including vata and pitta dosha. In modern treatment there are a lot of side effects so if you are moving from the starting stage to the advance one must use ayurvedic medications to prevent the cancer entering the metastatic phase.