A Holistic & Integrative Approach to Breast Cancer Care
Evidence-Based Natural Strategies to Support Treatment, Recovery, and Long-Term Health
Breast Cancer Treatment: Expanding the Care Model
A breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing. Alongside medical guidance, patients often receive advice from friends and family on how they “should” approach treatment. Fortunately, modern breast cancer care allows for multiple evidence-based pathways, including holistic and integrative approaches used alongside conventional oncology.
Conventional treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and increasingly complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
CAM is one of the fastest-growing treatment modalities among breast cancer patients in the United States, with 48–70% of women using some form of integrative therapy during or after treatment (1). Importantly, many CAM approaches are scientifically researched and medically reviewed.
When combined appropriately with standard oncology care, integrative strategies may help patients:
Support immune function and long-term remission
Reduce side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy
Decrease stress, anxiety, and depression
Improve quality of life during and after treatment
Increase empowerment and a sense of control over healing (2)
Several studies report favorable outcomes with integrative care, including improved survival, better pain control, reduced anxiety, improved coping strategies, and significant efficacy in treating nausea and vomiting (1).
Functional Laboratory Testing: Identifying Root-Cause Drivers
Hormone evaluation is particularly critical in breast cancer. Standard blood hormone tests provide only a snapshot, whereas advanced hormone testing evaluates hormone metabolism, clearance, and downstream biological effects.
Dried Urine Testing for Complete Hormones (DUTCH) evaluates:
Estrogen, progesterone, and androgen levels
Estrogen metabolism pathways
Cortisol and adrenal function
The estrogen-to-progesterone balance
In breast cancer, certain estrogen metabolites are proliferative, while others are protective. For example, preferential metabolism of estrone (E1) toward the 4-hydroxy (4-OH) pathway is associated with increased breast cancer risk due to its DNA-damaging and pro-carcinogenic effects.
Advanced hormone testing allows practitioners to:
Identify carcinogenic estrogen pathways
Support protective estrogen metabolism
Improve progesterone-to-estrogen balance
Reduce hormone-driven cancer signaling
Functional testing is not only predictive — it enables targeted intervention to shift the internal environment away from cancer promotion and toward healing, resilience, and long-term remission.
→ Integrative Oncology
→ Advanced Functional Lab Testing
Dietary Changes to Support Breast Cancer Recovery
Diet plays a major role in shaping the internal environment of the body. Certain foods strengthen immune defenses, reduce inflammation, and influence enzymes involved in breast cancer development and progression.
A supportive diet should emphasize organic, whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Foods to Eat
High-quality protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and providing amino acids necessary for detoxification and tissue repair.
Sources include:
Wild-caught fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring)
Grass-fed meats
Organic pasture-raised chicken
Pasture-raised organic eggs
Legumes
Nuts and seeds
Healthy fats are essential for cancer protection, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Monounsaturated fats are abundant in:
Avocados
Pine nuts
Cold-pressed olive oil
Oleic acid, the primary fat in olive oil, has been shown to reduce HER-2 oncogene expression by up to 70% (4).
These fats are best consumed at room temperature or added after cooking. When heated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are prone to oxidation, which generates inflammatory lipid byproducts rather than the protective compounds they provide in their unheated form.
For cooking, more heat-stable fats such as coconut oil, ghee, or grass-fed butter are preferred due to their higher saturated fat content and greater oxidative stability.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) include omega-3 and omega-6 fats.
Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and play essential roles in cell membrane integrity, mitochondrial signaling, and cardiovascular health (5). Because omega-3 fats are highly unstable when exposed to heat, they should be consumed cold, obtained from whole foods, or taken as high-quality supplements.
Good omega-3 sources include:
Mackerel
Herring
Cod liver oil
Salmon
Sardines
Anchovies
Flax seeds
Chia seeds
Walnuts
Omega-6 fatty acids are essential but often overconsumed. While natural sources include meat, dairy, nuts, seeds, evening primrose oil, and borage oil, highly inflammatory omega-6 fats are predominantly found in processed foods and industrial seed oils.
Studies show that seed oils are associated with more aggressive breast cancer biology (6). An imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio promotes inflammation and chronic disease, including cancer (7).
→ The Ugly Truth About Seed Oils and 5 Healthy Alternatives
Phytonutrients with Anti-Cancer Properties
Phytonutrients are biologically active compounds found in plant foods that play an important role in modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, detoxification enzymes, immune signaling, and cellular repair mechanisms. In integrative oncology, phytonutrients are valued for their ability to support the body’s internal environment in ways that may help reduce cancer progression and treatment-related toxicity.
Carotenoids are antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative damage and abnormal proliferation. Research suggests carotenoids may help inhibit tumor growth and may also reduce the toxic side effects of chemotherapy without diminishing its anti-cancer effects (8). These compounds support immune surveillance and cellular differentiation, both of which are critical in cancer recovery.
Isothiocyanates, derived from glucosinolates found in cruciferous vegetables, play a key role in supporting Phase 2 detoxification enzymes and regulating estrogen metabolism. Studies indicate that isothiocyanates may inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in abnormal cells (9, 10). Their ability to influence detoxification pathways makes them particularly relevant in hormone-sensitive cancers.
Polyphenols exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative effects. They influence gene expression, inhibit angiogenesis, and reduce the potential for tumor growth and metastasis. Polyphenols also support gut microbiome diversity, which is increasingly recognized as an important factor in immune regulation and cancer outcomes.
Foods rich in phytonutrients include:
Carrots and other orange or red vegetables
Leafy greens
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts
Berries
Green tea
Cacao and dark chocolate
Flaxseed
Ginger
Culinary and medicinal herbs
In addition to its phytonutrient content, ginger has been shown to help relieve chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, making it a practical dietary tool during active treatment.
Consistent intake of phytonutrient-rich foods supports detoxification capacity, immune resilience, and cellular health—key components of an internal environment less favorable to cancer development and recurrence.
Foods to Avoid
Hydrogenated oils, refined carbohydrates, sugar, processed meats, and alcohol are associated with reduced survival after breast cancer diagnosis (11).
Individualized nutritional counseling helps prevent malnutrition and supports immune resilience during treatment (12).
→ Functional & Integrative Medicine
Reducing Household Toxins for Hormone Balance and Cancer Prevention
There is growing concern that environmental estrogen-mimicking compounds, known as xenoestrogens, act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and may adversely affect hormone-sensitive tissues such as the breast.
Xenoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors, alter hormone signaling, and interfere with normal estrogen metabolism. Over time, this disruption may contribute to hormonal imbalance, impaired detoxification, chronic inflammation, and increased cancer risk.
Many of these compounds are encountered daily through food packaging, household products, and personal care items. The mechanisms by which these toxins interfere with hormonal signaling are explored in greater depth in Endocrine Disruptors Explained: How Everyday Toxins Affect Your Hormones.
To maintain a healthy estrogen balance, effective estrogen detoxification is essential. Estrogens are processed through:
Phase 1 detoxification, where estrogens are converted into intermediate metabolites
Phase 2 detoxification, where these metabolites are conjugated and rendered less harmful
Phase 3 elimination, where estrogens are excreted from the body primarily through stool
When detoxification pathways are overwhelmed or under-resourced, estrogen metabolites may be recirculated rather than eliminated, increasing exposure to proliferative and genotoxic estrogen forms.
Excess exposure to estrogen-mimicking compounds places an additional burden on detoxification systems. This not only slows estrogen clearance, but also diverts nutrients away from other essential physiological functions, contributing to micronutrient depletion and impaired immune resilience.
Poorly designed detox protocols can further strain these pathways, particularly when Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification are not adequately supported. A structured, systems-based approach—outlined in Detox Done Right: A Comprehensive Guide to Safe and Effective Detoxification—emphasizes safety, sequencing, and individualized support rather than aggressive elimination strategies.
Common sources of xenoestrogens and hormone-disrupting chemicals include:
Conventional household cleaners
Personal care and hygiene products
Plastics and food packaging
Canned foods
Non-stick and Teflon-coated cookware
Reducing exposure to these compounds is a critical part of taking ownership of your breast cancer care. Eliminating estrogen-mimicking toxins helps lower toxic burden, support liver detoxification, and reduce hormone-driven cancer signaling.
Toxins are generally cancer-promoting and should be minimized whenever possible to create an internal environment that supports healing and long-term remission. Transitioning to clean, non-toxic household and personal care products helps restore physiological balance by optimizing detoxification pathways and supporting immune function.
→ Detoxification & Environmental Medicine
→ Functional & Integrative Medicine
Acupuncture: Relief from Breast Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Acupuncture is a core modality within traditional Chinese medicine and has been used therapeutically for thousands of years. In modern clinical settings, a growing body of scientific research supports its effectiveness across a wide range of conditions, including those commonly experienced during and after breast cancer treatment.
Within an integrative oncology framework, acupuncture is frequently used to support patients experiencing treatment-related symptoms and systemic stress. For individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, acupuncture may be beneficial for (13):
Immune system support
Pain management
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Hot flashes
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Peripheral neuropathy
Anxiety
Depression
Acupuncture works by influencing nervous system regulation, inflammatory signaling, circulation, and endogenous pain-modulating pathways, making it particularly well suited for symptom management during chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapies.
In addition to symptom relief, acupuncture has been shown to reduce breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL) (14). BCRL is characterized by swelling of the arm on the side where lymph nodes were removed and may persist long after active treatment has ended. When incorporated appropriately, acupuncture can help reduce discomfort, improve lymphatic flow, and support long-term quality of life for patients managing this condition.
→ Acupuncture & Nervous System Regulation
→ Integrative Oncology
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Support
Chinese herbal medicine has a long clinical history and is increasingly studied within integrative oncology settings. Research indicates that certain evidence-informed herbal formulations may enhance the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy, radiation-targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, while also helping to reduce common treatment-related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue (15).
Additional studies suggest that Chinese herbal medicine may support cancer care by:
Inhibiting tumor progression
Improving immune system regulation
Reducing chemotherapy- and radiation-related side effects
Supporting pain management
Within traditional Chinese medicine, herbal therapy is guided by the principle of treating both the root and the branch of illness—addressing underlying imbalances while simultaneously supporting symptom relief. This systems-based framework aligns closely with functional and integrative medicine approaches to cancer care.
Beyond Chinese herbal medicine, targeted nutritional supplementation and food-grade botanicals may also be used to support the body during and after cancer treatment. Research indicates that appropriately selected herbs and nutrients may:
Support immune function
Help balance hormonal signaling
Enhance detoxification pathways
Promote restorative sleep
Reduce nausea
Improve appetite
Decrease anxiety
Support energy production (16)
Because cancer treatment places unique demands on metabolism, detoxification, and immune resilience, only high-quality, practitioner-guided supplements should be used. Proper formulation and individualized dosing are essential to maximize therapeutic benefit while minimizing the risk of interactions or adverse effects during active treatment.
Supplement quality varies widely across brands, with differences in sourcing, bioavailability, contaminants, and clinical dosing. A framework for evaluating supplement quality, safety, and formulation standards is outlined in Why High-Quality Supplements Matter: Avoid Hidden Risks and Maximize Health Benefits
→ Integrative Oncology
→ Functional & Integrative Medicine
Mind-Body Practices for Emotional Wellness
A breast cancer diagnosis is often accompanied by intense emotional stress, including fear, anxiety, grief, uncertainty, and overwhelm. These emotional and psychological factors directly influence nervous system regulation, immune function, inflammation, sleep quality, and overall resilience. A mind-body approach to cancer care supports emotional health while also influencing physiological healing processes.
Integrative cancer care commonly incorporates the following mind-body practices:
Yoga Therapy
Yoga is an ancient system designed to integrate movement, breath, concentration, and meditation to support balance between the mind and body. Clinical studies demonstrate that yoga may reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and cancer-related fatigue, while also improving physical function and emotional well-being during and after treatment (17).
Massage for Relaxation
Massage therapy supports pain relief, relaxation, nervous system regulation, and improved sleep quality (18). Approximately one in five breast cancer patients develops breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL). Manual lymph drainage, a specialized form of massage therapy, has been shown to reduce swelling and discomfort associated with lymphedema (19).
Art and Music Therapy
Creative therapies such as art and music therapy have been shown to reduce anxiety in breast cancer patients (21). Participation in group-based creative therapies may also decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness while supporting relaxation, emotional expression, and improved quality of life (22).
Gratitude Journaling
Regular gratitude practices can help shift emotional focus during an otherwise destabilizing time. A cancer diagnosis may leave individuals feeling fearful, helpless, or discouraged. Consistent gratitude journaling has been associated with improved emotional outlook and psychological resilience. While not a treatment for cancer itself, positive psychological states are associated with reduced hospital readmissions and shorter hospital stays (23).
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation involve intentionally observing thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations while remaining present and non-reactive. Even brief daily practice has been shown to reduce stress, depressive symptoms, and inflammatory markers, while supporting emotional regulation and nervous system balance (23, 24).
Other Mind-Body Approaches May Include:
Acupuncture
Energy-based therapies (e.g., Reiki, Craniosacral therapy)
Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Chiropractic care
Indigenous healing modalities
Support groups
Counseling and psychotherapy
These approaches emphasize whole-person care and recognize the interconnectedness of emotional health, nervous system regulation, and physical healing. Within modern integrative oncology, complementary and alternative medicine has earned a meaningful role on the treatment team, supporting patients alongside conventional medical therapies.
→ Functional & Integrative Medicine
→ Integrative Oncology
Empowering Your Breast Cancer Journey with Holistic Care
A breast cancer diagnosis can leave patients feeling overwhelmed, frightened, and uncertain about what steps to take next. Integrative care recognizes that healing is not passive. Patients play an active role in recovery, long-term resilience, and quality of life, and care should honor informed choice, autonomy, and individualized biology.
Supportive practitioners take a patient-centered approach—providing guidance, education, and evidence-based options without pressure. Treatment decisions should be collaborative, respectful, and aligned with each individual’s values, goals, and clinical picture.
For many patients, conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation come with lasting side effects that impact daily life. Others may be seeking complementary strategies to support their body during treatment, reduce toxic burden, restore hormonal balance, or address root contributors that are often overlooked in standard care models.
At Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine, we take a root-cause, integrative approach to breast cancer care. Each patient receives an in-depth review of health history, symptom patterns, and contributing factors. When appropriate, functional laboratory testing is used to gain deeper insight into hormonal signaling, detoxification capacity, nutrient status, immune regulation, and metabolic health.
Care plans are individualized and may include targeted nutrition, lifestyle support, acupuncture, detoxification strategies, nervous system regulation, and evidence-informed integrative therapies designed to support the whole person—not just the diagnosis.
→ Integrative Oncology
→ Functional & Integrative Medicine
Ready to Take a More Integrative Approach to Breast Cancer Care?
Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re experiencing treatment side effects, conflicting advice, or unanswered questions about how to support your body safely.
Request a complimentary 15-minute consultation with Dr. Martina Sturm at Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine to explore how a personalized, integrative approach can support your treatment, recovery, and long-term health. Together, you’ll discuss root causes, evidence-based holistic strategies, and next steps tailored to your unique needs—whether you’re actively undergoing treatment or focused on healing and prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Integrative Breast Cancer Care
Can integrative or holistic care be used alongside chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or hormonal therapy?
Yes. Integrative care is commonly used to support the body during conventional treatment by addressing nutrition status, sleep, stress physiology, inflammation, detoxification capacity, and symptom management. Integrative approaches are designed to complement oncology care, not replace it.
Does integrative care mean I am refusing conventional cancer treatment?
Not necessarily. Some patients use integrative strategies strictly as supportive care during standard treatment, while others explore a broader plan based on preferences, tolerance, goals, and medical guidance. Decisions should be individualized and made with appropriate clinical supervision.
What symptoms can acupuncture help with during breast cancer treatment?
Acupuncture is commonly used to support nausea, fatigue, pain, sleep disruption, anxiety, depression, hot flashes, dry mouth, and neuropathy. It may also be helpful for lymphedema-related discomfort in appropriate cases.
Can acupuncture help breast cancer-related lymphedema?
Evidence suggests acupuncture may help reduce symptoms and improve comfort for some patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Care should be individualized, and lymphedema-specific precautions should be followed.
Why does hormone testing matter in breast cancer?
Hormones influence signaling pathways that affect breast tissue. Advanced testing can provide insight into estrogen metabolism patterns, progesterone balance, and adrenal stress physiology, which may guide targeted lifestyle and nutritional strategies in an integrative plan.
What is the DUTCH test and how is it different from standard blood hormone tests?
The DUTCH test is a dried urine hormone assessment that evaluates sex hormones and their metabolites, including estrogen metabolism pathways, along with adrenal hormones such as cortisol. It provides more information about hormone breakdown patterns than a single blood snapshot.
What dietary approach is most supportive for recovery and long-term health?
In general, a whole-food, nutrient-dense diet emphasizing clean protein, fiber, phytonutrients, and healthy fats is commonly recommended. Individual needs vary based on treatment phase, blood sugar stability, digestion, and nutrient status, so personalization matters.
Do environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors really matter for breast health?
Many everyday chemicals can disrupt hormone signaling and increase detoxification burden. Reducing exposure is a practical, lower-risk strategy that supports hormonal balance and overall resilience, particularly in hormone-sensitive conditions.
Are supplements and herbs safe during breast cancer treatment?
Some supplements and herbs can be helpful, while others may interfere with treatment, blood clotting, liver metabolism, or hormone signaling. Supplement and herbal strategies should be individualized, clinically dosed, and coordinated with the oncology team when appropriate.
Resources
PubMed – Complementary and alternative medicine in breast cancer patients
National Cancer Institute – Complementary & Alternative Treatment for Breast Cancer
National Cancer Institute – Complementary & Alternative Treatment for Breast Cancer
PubMed – Oleic acid, the main monounsaturated fatty acid of olive oil, suppresses Her-2/neu (erbB-2) expression and synergistically enhances the growth inhibitory effects of trastuzumab (Herceptin) in breast cancer cells with Her-2/neu oncogene amplification
National Institutes of Health – Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Health Professional Fact Sheet
Science – Direct sensing of dietary ω-6 linoleic acid through FABP5-mTORC1 signaling
PubMed – The importance of a balanced ω-6 to ω-3 ratio in the prevention and management of obesity
PMC – Antioxidants for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Are We There Yet?
Linus Pauling Institute – Isothiocyanates
PubMed – Dietary Natural Products for Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer
PubMed – Nutrition and Breast Cancer: A Literature Review on Prevention, Treatment and Recurrence
PubMed – The Potential Influence of Dietary Counseling on Nutritional Status and Dietary Supplement Consumption in Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
National Cancer Institute – Acupuncture (PDQ®)
PubMed – The Effect of Acupuncture in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema (BCRL): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
PubMed – Positive Role of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Cancer Immune Regulation
PMC – Natural cures for breast cancer treatment
PubMed – Long-Term Changes of Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, and Fatigue in Cancer Patients 6 Months After the End of Yoga Therapy
PubMed – Massage Therapy for Fatigue Management in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Descriptive Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
PubMed – Manual lymphatic drainage for lymphedema following breast cancer treatment
National Cancer Institute – Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
PubMed – Arts therapies for anxiety, depression, and quality of life in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
National Cancer Institute – Complementary & Alternative Treatment for Breast Cancer
PubMed – Psychosocial Factors Associated With High Readmission Rates and Longer Hospital Stays
PubMed – Mindfulness meditation for younger breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial