October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. In the United States, 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer can occur in men too. Thanks to early detection services such as screening mammograms, breast cancer has one of the highest survival rates. Different types of mammogram screening include digital mammograms and 3D Mammography or tomosynthesis.

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives. Talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening. Healthy, active lifestyles aid in prevention. Tips on Prevention from Mayo Clinic.

Stress and Cancer. While there is conflicting data in a review of the literature whether or not stress causes breast cancer, people facing a diagnosis of cancer may find the physical, emotional, and social effects of the disease to be stressful. Being able to use effective coping strategies to deal with stress, such as relaxation and stress management techniques, can been lower the incidence of depression and anxiety. According to research, relaxation training during chemotherapy can reduce anxiety and other adverse events in postoperative breast cancer patients.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines from the Society of Integrative Oncology for the Use of Integrative Therapies and Breast Cancer. These include relaxation, mind-body therapies (meditation, hypnosis, yoga), massage, music therapy and acupuncture, with some specific recommendations for symptom management mentioned in the guidelines. While more research is needed, reiki (ray-key) and Qi Gong are offered at a number of cancer centers due to their ease of use, gentle nature and relaxation benefits.

Talk to Your Doctor before using over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, herbal products and integrative therapies. Some may not be indicated or even contraindicated for your situation. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has on-line information about herbal products. The National Institutes of Health also has information on herb-drug interactions.

Special Offer from Dreamtime Wellness ™ During the Month of October: Anyone receiving treatment for breast cancer may enjoy a session for relaxation and stress management at discounted prices. Call or email to schedule your appointment: info@dreamtimewellness.com or 978-283-4258.

Enjoy today in a healthy way,

Karen

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Author, Speaker, Nurse Researcher, Photographer. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit. Karen is a registered nurse with a background in critical care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac risk factor reduction, wellness and integrative healthcare. Incorporating a collaborative, integrative approach, Karen strives to educate and provide evidence-based services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving health, happiness and wellbeing. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Instagram and Facebook

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Sources and More Information:

Breast Cancer in Men

American Cancer Society Facts and Figures

Jama Network

Mammogram Screening 

Naval Hospital of Pensacola 

NIH Relaxation During Chemotherapy Breast Cancer

NIH National Cancer Institute Stress Fact Sheet

Psychological Stress and Breast Cancer