Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, with a substantial impact on patients’ physical, emotional, and social well-being. While advancements in diagnosis and medical treatments have improved survival rates, the quality of life for breast cancer patients remains a critical aspect of their overall health outcomes. The current literature review explored studies using integrative healthcare strategies to enhance the well-being of individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, which often results in a myriad of side effects to breast cancer treatment, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and diminished physical functioning. Additionally, conventional treatments, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapies, often impose significant physiological and psychological burdens on patients. The studies reviewed indicate that dietary modifications are pivotal in integrative cancer care, as nutrition impacts various aspects of cancer progression, treatment response, and survivorship. Evidence suggests that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins may confer protective benefits against breast cancer development and recurrence while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, integrative cancer care includes dietary interventions and lifestyle modifications encompassing physical activity, stress management, and psychosocial support. Regular exercise was shown to be associated with improvements in fatigue, muscular strength, and overall quality of life among breast cancer survivors while reducing the risk of recurrence and mortality. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions offer additional avenues for symptom management and emotional well-being. Thus, by integrating evidence-based interventions from conventional and complementary medicine, healthcare providers can optimize the quality of life and survivorship outcomes for individuals affected by breast cancer.
