"After chemo I can't eat, can't sleep, I'm exhausted and losing my hair—isn't there a gentler way?" This is what I hear most from breast cancer patients in the clinic. According to the latest China Cancer Registry data, over 420,000 new breast cancer cases are reported each year, and more than 70% of patients experience nausea, low immunity, and anxiety about recurrence during or after chemo and radiation. TCM breast cancer treatment, with its focus on "treating both root and branch, supporting the healthy and dispelling the pathogenic," has become a vital support for many on the road to recovery.
In TCM theory, breast cancer is not viewed as "incurable." It falls under the categories of "breast rock" and "breast lump." Its development is closely linked to three factors: deficiency of healthy qi, emotional imbalance, and phlegm-stasis binding. This is the core theoretical basis for TCM breast cancer treatment.
• Deficiency of healthy qi: The body's "immunity" is insufficient—like gaps in a city wall—allowing cancer cells to take hold (especially relevant for post-surgery and post–chemo/radiation patients; this is why TCM emphasizes "supporting the healthy").
• Emotional imbalance: Long-term anxiety, depression, or anger can lead to liver qi stagnation (TCM says "the liver governs free flow"), poor flow of qi and blood, and over time "stasis" and lumps. Clinical data show that about 80% of breast cancer patients had prolonged emotional stress before diagnosis.
• Phlegm-stasis binding: Liver qi stagnation affects spleen and stomach function, disturbing fluid metabolism and forming "phlegm-dampness." When phlegm-dampness combines with stagnant qi and blood, it is like "accumulated waste" that gradually forms breast lumps—this is a main focus of "dispelling the pathogenic" in TCM breast cancer treatment.
Many patients ask, "Can TCM treat breast cancer alone?" The answer is clear: TCM breast cancer treatment does not "replace" Western medicine but "complements and enhances" it. Western medicine focuses on "removing the lesion" (surgery, chemo, radiation); TCM focuses on "regulating constitution, preventing recurrence, and reducing side effects." The best outcomes come from combining both.
The essence of TCM treatment is "pattern differentiation and treatment." Patients differ in constitution, disease course, and stage (pre-op, post-op, during chemo/radiation, recovery). There is no "one-size-fits-all" anticancer formula. Below are four of the most commonly used and effective approaches, covering different stages.
Oral Chinese herbal medicine is the core of TCM breast cancer care. The main principle is "supporting the healthy and dispelling the pathogenic." Formulas are tailored to the patient's pattern. Priorities differ by stage:
• Pre-surgery: Focus on "supporting the healthy and dispelling the pathogenic" to strengthen the body and prepare for surgery. Common formulas include Eight Treasure Decoction (Bazhen Tang) variations (supplementing qi and blood). Clinical data suggest that 2–4 weeks of TCM conditioning before surgery can reduce surgical complication rates by about 35%.
• During chemo/radiation: Focus on "reducing toxicity and enhancing effect"—easing nausea, vomiting, hair loss, low white blood cells, and other side effects while supporting immunity so patients can complete treatment. Case: A 45-year-old woman with post-surgery chemotherapy had severe nausea and insomnia and white blood cells dropped to 2.3×10⁹/L. After one week of herbs to strengthen spleen and stomach and nourish blood and calm the spirit (e.g. Chenpi, Banxia, Danggui, Suanzaoren), nausea and sleep improved and white blood cells rose to 4.1×10⁹/L; she completed the full chemotherapy course.
• Post-surgery recovery: Focus on "benefiting qi and strengthening spleen, soothing liver and regulating qi, softening hardness and dispersing nodules" to regulate constitution, clear residual cancer cells, and prevent recurrence. Studies suggest that 1–2 years of consistent TCM care after surgery can reduce breast cancer recurrence by about 42.8%. Common formulas include Free Wanderer Powder (Xiaoyao San) combined with Return to Spleen Decoction (Guipi Tang) variations.
• Advanced palliative care: For advanced patients who cannot have surgery or chemo/radiation, the focus is "supporting the healthy and securing the root, relieving suffering" to prolong survival and improve quality of life. Herbs can help relieve pain, fatigue, and wasting; some patients may gain about 6–12 months of survival.
• Liver qi stagnation: breast distension and pain, irritability, chest tightness, insomnia—often Xiaoyao San variations; • Phlegm-stasis binding: hard, fixed breast lumps with stabbing pain—often Taohong Siwu Tang with Erchen Tang variations; • Healthy qi deficiency: post-surgery fatigue, pale complexion, poor appetite—often Bazhen Tang, Guipi Tang variations.
Important: The formulas above are for reference only. Do not self-prescribe. TCM breast cancer treatment should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner after pattern differentiation. Incorrect use can worsen the condition.
Acupuncture is used as an adjunct in TCM breast cancer care, mainly to relieve discomfort rather than to remove the tumor. It is especially suitable during chemo/radiation and in recovery:
• Easing chemo/radiation side effects: Needling Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), Zhongwan (CV12), etc., can reduce nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension; effectiveness is often above 80%. • Post-surgery complications: Needling Jianjing (GB21), Quchi (LI11), Hegu (LI4), etc., can help with arm swelling and pain and support limb function. • Regulating mood and sleep: Needling Taichong (LR3), Shenmen (HT7), etc., can soothe the liver, calm the spirit, and ease anxiety and low mood.
Diet is an important supplement in TCM breast cancer care. Principles: light, qi-benefiting, spleen-strengthening, softening hardness; avoid spicy, greasy, raw-cold, and "trigger" foods. Practical options by stage:
• During chemo/radiation (spleen and stomach): Millet and yam congee, lotus seed and lily congee, tangerine peel and lean meat soup, 1–2 times daily to ease nausea and poor appetite. • Recovery (nourish qi and blood, soften hardness): Danggui and Astragalus black chicken soup (Danggui 10g, Huangqi 20g, half black chicken, simmer 1 hour), seaweed and tofu soup, asparagus with wood ear—2–3 times per week to support recovery and recurrence prevention. • Avoid: Royal jelly, snow frog, and other estrogen-rich foods (estrogen can stimulate breast cancer cells); avoid spicy, fried, and barbecued foods; quit smoking and alcohol.
Given TCM's view that emotional imbalance can contribute to breast cancer, emotional care is essential and can be done by the patient at no cost:
1. Gentle exercise about 30 minutes daily: e.g. Tai Chi, Baduanjin (TCM practices that regulate liver qi and qi-blood), or walking, yoga. 2. Emotional release: Talk with family and friends; avoid bottling up. Use music, gardening, calligraphy, or painting to shift focus. 3. Family support: Breast cancer patients are prone to anxiety and depression. Family understanding and companionship are crucial; avoid blame or pressure; offer encouragement and support.
Here are clear answers to the most common questions from patients and families:
TCM alone is not recommended for breast cancer (especially early and mid-stage). TCM's main strength is "adjuvant treatment." Combined with surgery and chemo/radiation, it can reduce side effects, help prevent recurrence, and prolong survival. For advanced patients who cannot have surgery or chemo/radiation, TCM can be used for palliative care to ease suffering and improve quality of life, but it cannot replace Western "tumor-reducing" treatments.
Compared with chemo and radiation, TCM has relatively few side effects. Most patients have no obvious discomfort. A few may have mild bloating, loose stools, or dry mouth, often related to constitution or formula; adjusting the formula with your practitioner usually resolves this.
Generally 1–2 weeks after surgery, once the body is stable (wound healed, no significant fever or fatigue). Early post-surgery care focuses on "benefiting qi and blood, strengthening spleen and stomach" to support recovery and prepare for chemo/radiation if needed. Missing this window may increase the risk of complications and recurrence.
TCM breast cancer care is a long-term process. Duration depends on condition, constitution, and stage: Post-surgery recovery—often 1–2 years, with follow-up every 3–6 months to adjust formulas; during chemo/radiation—throughout treatment, then 1–3 months consolidation; advanced disease—long-term care until the condition is stable.
Yes. Avoid: estrogen-rich foods (royal jelly, snow frog, placenta, etc.), spicy and irritating foods, fried and barbecued foods, raw and cold foods, and "trigger" foods (e.g. seafood, lamb, chives). Prefer a light diet with fresh vegetables, fruit, and quality protein (eggs, milk, lean meat). Avoid smoking and alcohol to avoid affecting herb efficacy and worsening the condition.
TCM breast cancer treatment is not "mysticism" but a science-based adjuvant rooted in classical theory and modern clinical research. Its value lies in "supporting the healthy and dispelling the pathogenic" and "pattern differentiation and treatment." Combined with Western medicine, it can reduce suffering, help prevent recurrence, and prolong survival—supporting "living with cancer" or full recovery. For patients and families, the path is long and hard. Do not rely on unproven "folk remedies" or "miracle cures," and do not dismiss TCM. A sound treatment plan, a positive mindset, and proper care are key to overcoming cancer.
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