Breast Cancer is the most alarming disease prevalent today. All over the world we have seen a rapid growth of cases and the impact it is causing both in developing and developed countries. The World Health Organization forecasts about 14.1 million new cancer diagnoses worldwide in 2012, with annual cancer deaths expected to rise to 12.6 million by 2030.However it has crossed this figure in 2020 by over 10 million deaths making it a leading cause of mortality. Healthcare measures include in educating people and bringing an awareness to identify the first signs with regular screening, focus on diet and exercise, lifestyle changes etc.
Types:
1) Ductal carcinoma in situ.
2) Invasive ductal carcinoma.
3) Invasive lobular carcinoma
Other,rare type of carcinoma include:
1) Paget’s disease of the nipple.
2) Phylloides tumor.
3) Angiosarcoma.
Pathophysiology of breast cancer
A normal female breast is made up of the following structures:
Lobules Milk-producing glands
Ducts Tiny tubules that carry milk from lobules to the nipples
Stroma Fatty and connective tissues present around the ducts and globules which is rich in blood and lymphatic supply.
Cancer involves the growth and multiplication of abnormal cells. Breast cancer can begin in any part of the breast.
Causes:
Genetic predisposition
Aging
The family history of breast cancer
Post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy
Oral contraceptives
Nulliparous women or women who have not had children or late pregnancy
Not breastfeeding
Lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity, increased consumption of fatty food, less consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and poor sleeping patterns.
Homoeopathy and breast cancer treatment
Homeopathy, over the last few years, has proved to be effective in the management of breast cancer cases as well as treat post-chemotherapy effects. For this reason, homeopathy is being increasingly integrated along with conventional medicine in the management of cancer cases.
A study has also been published recently in the International Journal of Oncology has demonstrated the cytotoxic effect of four homeopathic medicines against two breast cancer line cells, namely MCF-7, MDA-MB-231causing delay in cell death.
Researchers have also proved that homeopathic remedies have effects on cancer cells similar to paclitaxel, a commonly used drug in chemotherapy, without damage to other normal cells.
Psychodynamics of Breast Cancer
Breast represents love, care, and affection.
It is an organ of nurturing and nursing whom we love.
The left side of the breast is the “emotional” side and represents problems pertaining to children, motherhood etc.
It is some kind of resentment and anger because of failed nurturing.
When one suffers from cancer, we have to understand that an important relationship has caused disappointment, in this aspect.
it has to be your child that has caused you pain which in turn makes your maternal feelings dead.
The right breast represents a conflict with your spouse if you are married and with your boyfriend or father in case you are not married.
Let’s study a case of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the right breast:
A 42-year-old woman came with the following report-
Infiltrating ductal carcinoma BIRADS4B, with retraction of right nipple.
Dr: Yes, how did this happen?
Pt: I don’t know (a slight smile) as if to hide her tears.
Knowing the right-sided affection I straight away asked her what the problem is with your husband.
She immediately tried to deny it, but later on, gave a history of how things turned out in their 12 years of marriage.
Dr: Do you have children and how many?
Pt: None.
Dr: why???
Pt: looking at her husband he never had time for it and was always busy with his career (disappointed and angry with hurt feeling)
when the time, age was on our side he gave it no importance and now at this age, he is saying we should have one.
How much I was yearning for a child but…
Anyway. What can I do now. let it be.
Dr: Are you having anger towards your husband? To which the patient responded saying maybe (again with a smile). It appeared that the patient wanted to say something but was projecting that everything is fine.
Observation:
Having stage 3 cancer of breast, the lady looked quite dignified, well-dressed and elegant. Nowhere did I see her pleading for her health or crying about her cancer. It appeared as if she was very much hurt by her husband’s behavior over all these years and she had great resentment, anger and a deep longing for a child. She was a lonely woman with no friends.
Dr: No friends??
Pt: I don’t like to keep many relations as people try to always probe into your problems once they know. So I prefer to keep aloof and not talk to no one. I am happy with my work. That’s all!!
Analysis and evaluation:
Resentment+dissappointment+anger suppressed+cut off from the world.
Rubrics Selected:
Mind: Ailment’s from suppressed anger
Ailments from embarrassment
Hiding himself
Picture taken, aversion to having his/her.
Dignified
Reserved
Remedy Selected: NAT MUR 200,3 DOSES GIVEN ON 3 CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS(HS)
Followed by 0/1,0/2 over a period of 3 months.
The patient is still under treatment and doing excellently well.
The oncologist has once again asked for repeat tests after assessing her condition.
Vitals and blood parameters along with tumor markers are significantly improving.