Supporting the whole woman - Complementary care for breast cancer survivors this October

Every October, Jamaica joins the world in observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to encourage early screening, to honour those we have lost, and to stand with the many women, and men, who are living through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting Jamaican women and, while advances in surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapies have improved survival, the journey does not end when active treatment does.

According to Dr Janice Simmonds-Fisher, medical director, Bioregeneration Integrated Medical Centre, many patients say that the months and years after treatment bring their own challenges: fatigue that lingers, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, slow-healing tissue, and a general sense that the body has not quite returned to itself.

“This is where integrative, physician-led supportive care can play a meaningful role, always alongside, and never in place of, the care provided by a patient’s oncology team. The journey does not end when active treatment does,” Dr Simmonds-Fisher said.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen inside a pressurised chamber. Under these conditions, the blood carries significantly more oxygen to tissues throughout the body, supporting the formation of new blood vessels and the body’s natural repair processes.

For breast cancer survivors, one of the most established uses of HBOT is in managing the late effects of radiation therapy. Radiation is highly effective against cancer but, in some patients, it can damage surrounding healthy tissue over time, leading to pain, hardening, poor wound healing or breakdown of the skin in the treated area.

“HBOT is internationally recognised as a treatment for radiation-induced tissue injury and has been studied for its role in reducing pain, swelling and tissue complications following breast radiotherapy,” Dr Simmonds-Fisher said.

HBOT may also support healing after reconstructive surgery, where healthy blood supply to tissue is essential. Each patient is assessed carefully beforehand, as timing matters and certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs, are not compatible with hyperbaric treatment.

Cancer treatment can deplete the body’s nutritional reserves and place considerable strain on the nervous system. Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy delivers vitamins, minerals and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream, allowing for more efficient absorption than oral supplements alone.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that the body uses in energy production. It has been studied most extensively for nerve health, particularly in diabetic nerve damage, and is being explored as a supportive option for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, the painful tingling and numbness many survivors experience in their hands and feet. While research in cancer patients is still developing, ALA is generally well tolerated and may form part of a thoughtful, individualised recovery plan.

“It is important to note that antioxidant therapies should be coordinated with a patient’s oncologist, particularly during active chemotherapy or radiation, to ensure they do not interfere with treatment. For this reason, at Bioregeneration, IV therapy for cancer patients is only offered following a full medical consultation and, where appropriate, in communication with the patient’s treating physician,” Dr Simmonds-Fisher said.

Integrative medicine is not an alternative to conventional cancer care. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy save lives, and no complementary therapy should ever delay or replace them. “Our role is to walk alongside patients, helping to ease side effects, support healing, and restore quality of life so that survivors can not only live longer, but live well,” she said.

“If you have not had a mammogram or clinical breast examination recently, let this month be your reminder. Early detection remains the most powerful tool we have. And, if you or someone you love is navigating life after breast cancer, know that support is available for the body as well as the spirit,” she added.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com