Breast Cancer and Reflexology
How Can Foot Reflexology Help Women with Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer survivors can benefit from complimentary and alternative medicine therapies such as reflexology.
Breast Cancer Canadian Statistics
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women in Canada. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 22,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. it is also found in men, but is fairly rare. Fortunately, breast cancer death rates have been on the decline since the mid 90's.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer typically begins in the glandular tissue of the breast, particularly in the ducts or lobules. Early diagnosis is extremely important in order to remove the cancer cells before they begin to spread. Mammograms can detect abnormalities in the breast tissue.
Complimentary and Alternative Medicine and Breast Cancer Patients
More and more people are utilizing complimentary and alternative medicine as a way of coping and dealing with a variety of health conditions. In a 2005 study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, researchers found that complimentary and alternative medicine use is associated with an increased perception of breast cancer recurrence and breast cancer related death. Essentially, women are seeking alternative ways to increase their chances of survival and being proactive about their own health and well being.
Reflexology and Breast Cancer Patients
Reflexology does fall into the realm of complimentary and alternative medicine. It has been utilized for a variety of health conditions, and has been shown to be effectve in reducing pain and tension and as a way to promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Pilot Study Shows How Foot Reflexology Helped Women with Breast Cancer
Researchers from Michigan State University tested three types of complimentary and alternative therapies - reflexology, guided imagery and reminiscence therapy for women receiving chemotherapy during the late stages of breast cancer. Though this was only a pilot study, foot reflexology was shown to be the most effective complimentary and alternative therapy. Patients experienced a decrease in depression and anxiety, and an increase in quality of life. Foot reflexology helped these women cope better. Instead of dreading each visit to the treatment center, these women were comforted and given a foot reflexology treatment during their chemotherapy. They were not only given emotional support, but also were able to benefit from the physical benefits of reflexology, namely to increase circulation, release pain, stress and tension, and to boost the immune system. Reflexology simply helps to bring the body back into balance.
How Can You Help?
If you live In Vancouver, British Columbia,The Weekend to End Breast Cancer is a 60 kilometre walk held on August 17-19 , 2007 with benefits going toward the BC Cancer Foundation.
© Copyright, Sylvia Carlson April, 2007. Reproduction wit hout permission prohibited.
