What Are Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine Methods in Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer and all other cancer types may involve pain, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, depression and anxiety disorders. Approaches to these problems caused by the disease and/or treatment are increasingly important for improving quality of life . The search for scientifically validated approaches and the number of scientific studies increase daily. Palliative care covers these problems, which can be addressed through scientifically and legally accepted modern medicine, while complementary treatments are also used (or should be used) under guidance from sufficient evidence. Acupuncture, meditation, yoga, reflexology, music therapy, stress management, massage and various herbal ingredients are complementary medicine methods.

Disease- or Treatment-Related Problems in Breast Cancer Patients:

Very recently, the guideline for complementary treatments in breast cancer was updated. Treatment guidelines are fundamental resources used by health professionals to guide care, evaluating valuable scientific studies and compiling their data. This guideline classifies conclusions by evidence levels A, B, C, D, H and I. To explain what these mean;

• Evidence level A: high certainty of substantial benefit from the treatment
• Evidence level B: high certainty of moderate-to-substantial benefit from the treatment
• Evidence level C: moderate certainty of a small benefit from the treatment
• Evidence level D: no demonstrated effect from the treatment
• Evidence level H: the treatment causes harm
• Evidence Level I: current evidence concerning the treatment is inconclusive

Treatment is recommended for evidence levels A and B, meaning high-level evidence. At level C, benefit is debatable. At D, H or I, treatment is not recommended.

The guideline addressed all complementary treatments individually. Studies evaluating each treatment's effectiveness in breast cancer patients were assessed separately. When no breast-cancer-specific study existed, recommendations drew on effectiveness in other cancers.

The Arrows Point to Meditation!

Complementary approaches investigated in breast cancer patients with evidence levels A and B include; meditation, music therapy, yoga, acupuncture, massage (reflexology), electroacupuncture and relaxation techniques (see the table below).

The most striking change in this new guideline is increased evidence for meditation's effectiveness in reducing stress and anxiety . Previously level B, the evidence became level A after adding a randomized controlled study demonstrating meditation's effects on stress and anxiety.

Many meditation / hypnotherapy techniques have been developed and used. Fundamentally, however, the aim is to empty and cleanse the mind and achieve tranquility. It is recommended not only in breast cancer but also other cancers and some noncancer conditions, particularly for disease-related psychological complaints.

Treatments Found to Have Evidence Levels D, H, I Include:

• Aloe vera and hyaluronic acid creams' effects on radiation skin damage (D)
• Glutamine's effect on chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting (D)
• Acetyl L carnitine and Guarana's effects on weakness (D)
• Acetyl L carnitine's effect on neuropathy (H)
• Soy's effect on hot flashes (D)

People learn about complementary treatments through hearsay or newspaper/internet reports of unclear origin. This may cause meaningless expectations in patients and relatives or waste time during illness. We continue recommending that every treatment choice during disease be guided by science and the opinion of a trusted physician.

You May Be Interested In:

• What is the difference between complementary and alternative treatments?