Advantages of Natural Treatment for Breast Cancer: Patients have many options using conventional and alternative therapies, says Dr. Paul Stallone

Any woman will experience a range of emotions after learning she has breast cancer, and many will likely be overwhelmed after meeting with her oncologist. She will probably have more questions than answers. Another doctor visit might seem daunting, but a holistic naturopathic physician could just be the answer she’s looking for.

One of the immediate benefits of seeking a natural cancer treatment program are the options that include both conventional and/or alternative therapies. A cancer-skilled naturopathic physician should have an understanding of both types of medicine, and will explain which are in the patient’s best interest. Factors such as prior health concerns and medical treatments, diet, stress management, hereditary associations and lifestyle choices all have a role in cancer and will have an impact on a treatment plan. Appreciating the value of these factors is what sets naturopathic physicians/doctors apart.

One invaluable benefit of choosing natural therapies will be the use of biofeedback. Only some are skilled in its use, but the information it provides is priceless. Biofeedback allows the practitioner to detect burdens on the patient’s body that could be contributing to disease because they suppress the immune system, allowing for cancer and disease to develop. These burdens can be decades old and rarely resolve on their own. Plus, because they cause disease, any burden can also hinder treatment. Testing is quick and painless, and results are immediate. Therapy is usually swift. For breast cancer, the remedies may be a great complement to natural therapies. Biofeedback can also provide insight to what supplements will be beneficial to the patient.

Treating breast cancer with natural therapies has great versatility, as it may be used alone or in conjunction with conventional therapies like chemotherapy. Multiple studies have shown high-dose vitamin C, when administered intravenously, is toxic to cancer cells without affecting healthy tissue. Researchers found that on a molecular level, vitamin C surrounding cancer cells acts as a "pro-oxidant". This triggers the development of hydrogen peroxide, which kills cancer cells. The study, which was conducted last year, also showed intravenous vitamin C helped minimize the side effects of chemotherapy.

Intravenous therapy can be a powerful partner to conventional treatments, and they may also be successful on their own. There are numerous nutrients that can be customized for a specific patient, even tailored to the day they’re having. Besides being naturally effective, these treatments are supportive for the patient. The whole goal is to enhance the immune system while using natural substances to target cancer cells. There should be virtually no side effects if customized correctly.

Breast cancer is increasing in its occurrence as more diagnostic tools are detecting it, but this is not always a good thing. Many women will develop non-cancerous conditions in their breasts, perhaps several times in their lifetime. These benign breast conditions or benign breast diseases often resolve themselves entirely on their own, while some may need minimal treatment. These women that are given false-positives may regularly receive aggressive treatments for a condition they do not even have. Before treatment is administered, a second opinion is always recommended. A naturopathic physician can rule out any hormonal or immune imbalances that could be contributing to a disease in the breast and offer a natural, healthy treatment plan. A naturopathic physician can be a valuable addition to a woman’s health to avoid breast disease, treat it or recover after it.

Paul Stallone, NMD, founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center, located at 8144 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 820, in Scottsdale. He combines natural/alternative/conventional treatments to best fit and benefit each individual patient’s needs. For more information, call 480-214-3922 or visit DrStallone.com.