A systematic review of some complementary treatments affecting the quality of life in women with breast cancer

Breast cancer significantly impacts women's quality of life,Despite advancements in conventional breast cancer treatments, many women experience persistent quality of life issues.Aims of research: This research seeks to systematically assess the efficacy of such interventions, addressing the need for evidence-based recommendations that could improve overall life satisfaction.Materials and Methods: For this review, a comprehensive search of scientific databases was done via the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using both Persian and English keywords: complementary therapies, music therapy, meditation, yoga, healthy nutrition, herbal treatments, breast cancer, quality of life. Only those studies that aimed at the impact of mentioned modalities on the quality of life in women with breast cancer and published between ۲۰۱۰-۲۰۲۳ were included.Results: In the process of our searches, we realized that some complementary treatments may enhance the quality of life in women with breast cancer by several mechanisms, which include the following:Meditation and breathing: Reduced stress and anxiety through a greater relaxation of the mind.Regular exercise: The health of the body can be preserved, as well as an improvement in the mental state of the subjects.Yoga: Reduced physical and mental symptoms. Improvement in flexibility and mobility.Adequate nutrition: An improvement in immune function and mood through proper nutrition with an antioxidant profile.Aromatherapy: This refers to the tranquilization of patients through fragrance to either reduce anxiety or improve sleeping. Pain management: pain relief by the use of acupuncture among other modalities. Social support: the reduction of loneliness as well as improvement in quality life by support groups.Conclusion: Complementary therapies may work as an effective approach to improving the quality of life for women who are suffering from breast cancer. These therapeutic methods, in conjunction with the required medical techniques, may help in elevating psychological, physical, and social states of patients. Doctors' consultancy is supposed to be combined with specialists of the field of complementary therapies for the best results. However, these therapies cannot replace the conventional mode of treatments but could only be assumed as effective complements to them.