Why do some cells become cancerous? Why do some join with fellow cells to form masses or tumors that turn cancerous? Why does cancer run amok in the body causing serious illness and even death?

It’s important to note where TCM understands breast cancer begins … not first at the physical level, but when the body-mind-spirit connection becomes unbalanced.

TCM is holistic in its approach; it views all aspects of the individual—body, mind, spirit, emotions—as part of a complete whole. It does not see a person as a collection of loosely connected pieces to be treated separately. At its highest level, it treats the person, not the disease.

While it's critical to address the symptoms of breast cancer, we believe it's equally critical to identify its root cause. The answer is always unique and individual.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system that uses a deep understanding of Natural law and its patterns and applies them to the human body. Its theories of “yin” and “yang” and Five-Element theory honor the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical aspects of an individual. 

An estimated 5 percent to 10 percent of all breast cancers are hereditary. BRCA1 (Breast Cancer gene one) and BRCA2 (Breast Cancer gene two) are major genes related to hereditary breast cancer. (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/) Even with these genetic markers, breast cancer is not inevitable. From the TCM perspective, you control the gene’s expression. A genetic predisposition is like a seed. Under specific conditions, the seed will grow. Without these conditions, it just cannot develop. For example, a rose bush cannot bloom in the desert. Requirements for its growth, like rich soil and water, don’t exist in this environment. 

When diagnosed with a nonmalignant tumor, younger women with a genetic marker for breast cancer often face the agonizing choice of whether to have a mastectomy or not. From the TCM perspective, a mastectomy still leaves the genetic seed for breast cancer hiding somewhere in the body. If a woman allows her body to become unbalanced again, and starts to experiences excess negative emotions, she is still viewed as being at risk for a recurrence of breast cancer, or some other cancer. 

Because the source of breast cancer comes in part from emotional factors, it is important that you feel comfortable talking with your doctor about your feelings throughout your healing process. Choose a doctor who demonstrates his or her support of the treatment decisions you make and wants to be your partner. He or she should never be a source of stress or frustration.