Non-Pharmacological Interventions

Nutrition

  • The Mediterranean diet may lower the risk of breast cancer.
  • Fish oil may reduce the risk of breast cancer. 1000 mg DHA + EPA daily.
  • Oleic acid (omega 9 fatty acid) may help suppress HER 2/Neu tumor cell growth. In olive oil, avocados, hazelnuts, and cashews.
  • Green tea may reduce breast cancer risk. 3 or more cups daily.
  • Soy food intake is associated with increased survival and less tumor recurrence. 1-3 servings daily.
  • Flax seed/lignan rich oil may reduce breast cancer risk and decrease breast cancer cell growth 1-2 tablespoons in food daily.
  • Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may lower breast cancer risk. 5-9 servings daily.
  • Whey protein powder (by-product of cheese production, less allergenic than casein protein) may help prevent mouth sores during chemotherapy and may help prevent peripheral neuropathy of chemotherapy such as taxanes. 20-30 gms twice daily in smoothies or 3-5 gms glutamine supplement one to three times daily.
  • Brassica (cruciferous) vegetables may reduce breast cancer risk, decrease cancer cell proliferation, and increase apoptosis. 1-2 servings daily.

Exercise

  • In prevention, may help control weight, improve immunity and control mood. May lower breast cancer mortality. More than 3 hrs/wk. Combination of aerobic activity such as walking 3-5 times per week and strength training 2-3 times per week.

Supplements

  • Strong evidence that adequate Vitamin D levels may reduce breast cancer risk.
    1000-2000 IU Vitamin D3 daily.
  • Melatonin has antioxidant, immune-enhancing, cytotoxic, and estrogen-regulating properties. 1-20 mg before bed. Starting dose: 3 mg.
  • Botanicals may be helpful during cancer treatment, but exercise caution as some can interfere with metabolism of chemotherapy agents.

Spiritual and Emotional Care

  • Small group psychological interventions may help decrease recurrence and mortality.

Therapeutic Review: Treatment of Symptoms in Cancer Treatment

Symptom Treatment
Fatigue Exercise
Acupuncture
Post menopausal hot flashes Medications such as SSRI’s, SNRI’s, and gabapentin
Acupuncture
Exercise
Nausea and vomitingdue to chemotherapy Acupuncture
Ginger
Cannabis
Anxiety, stress, depression Acupuncture
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Art Therapy
Exercise
Yoga
Massage
Support groups
Insomnia Exercise
Melatonin
Relaxation techniques
Sleep hygiene
Pain and peripheral neuropathy Acupuncture
Exercise
Cannabinoids
Massage
Mind-body therapies
Lymphedema Acupuncture
Exercise
Lymphatic massage
Radiation dermatitis Calendula cream

Please see the downloads section for more detailed clinician and patient information.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education. Please work with your health care practitioner to use it in the best way possible to promote your health.

UW Integrative Medicine Logo

Downloads:

For Clinicians

Handouts for patients:

Feedback

Please help us make this module as useful as possible by filling out our brief module evaluation form.