If you or someone you know has breast cancer, this is for you. You can support your body naturally.
Breast cancer has touched countless families worldwide — including friends and loved ones close to my heart. If you or someone you care about is battling breast cancer, please know you’re not alone. It can feel overwhelming and scary at times, but there’s also hope and healing along the way.
First and foremost, nothing replaces the guidance of a trusted doctor when dealing with cancer. Modern medicine has saved countless lives, and it’s essential to follow your care plan.
But alongside those treatments, there are also holistic and natural ways to care for your body and ease stress during this time. These holistic practices aren’t about replacing chemo or radiation — they’re about helping you feel stronger, calmer and more supported through the journey ahead.
In this post, I’ll share some of the latest breast cancer statistics and natural approaches that may help you feel more balanced. Or ways to offer support if someone you love is facing breast cancer. My hope is that you’ll walk away encouraged, with a few tools to help you or a loved one feel cared for.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is more common than we’d like to think, and knowing the facts can help us feel empowered instead of fearful. About one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That number feels scary — but there is hope.
Thanks to early detection and advances in treatment, the survival rate is higher than ever. When breast cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate is over 90%. That’s incredible progress worth celebrating!
Every year, more than 280K new cases are diagnosed in the United States, meaning most of us either know someone who has walked this journey or will at some point. It’s a reminder of how important regular checkups, mammograms and being mindful of our bodies truly are.
And here’s what I want to emphasize: medical care is essential. Holistic support — like natural remedies and wellness products — can make a big difference in how you feel, but they work best when paired with your doctor’s treatment plan. The goal isn’t to choose one path over the other, but to bring them together for the strongest, most supportive approach possible.
Preventing Cancer with Healthy Habits
While we can’t control every risk factor, there are lifestyle choices that may help lower the chances of developing cancer in the first place. Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods, limiting sugar and steering clear of heavily processed ingredients can give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Regular exercise keeps your immune system strong and supports healthy hormone balance. Many people also find that practices like intermittent fasting and reducing chronic inflammation are powerful tools for prevention.
Just as important is reducing chemical exposure from avoiding pesticides in food to choosing safer, more natural products for your home. Small, consistent steps in these areas can create a healthier environment for your body and mind, giving you the best foundation for long-term wellness.
And if you’re already facing a diagnosis, many of these same healthy habits can carry over into your healing journey.
Natural Ways to Support Your Body
Alongside your doctor's medical plan, here are some things you can incorporate as well. It doesn't hurt to try to keep your body as healthy as possible during this time.
1. Value Nutrition
Whole, nutrient-rich foods can make a big difference in how you feel every day. Think fruits and vegetables, hearty grains, lean proteins and healthy fats like avocado or salmon.
Antioxidant-rich foods, like blueberries, flaxseeds, leafy greens, turmeric and green tea, are especially beneficial because they help combat stress in the body. But don’t forget the simplest habit of all: staying hydrated. Hydration is always important.
It can also be helpful to think of food as a source of comfort and healing, not just fuel. Preparing simple, nourishing meals at home allows you to control the ingredients and skip the additives often found in processed foods.
Even small swaps like choosing honey instead of refined sugar, or adding a sprinkle of chia or hemp seeds to your morning smoothie, can give your body a boost. Turn eating into a moment of self-care instead of just another task on your to-do list.
2. Taking Supplements
Supplements can be a supportive piece of your wellness journey. Everybody is different, and certain supplements may or may not be appropriate depending on your type of breast cancer, your medications and your treatment plan.
That’s why it’s so essential to partner with a trusted practitioner — ideally a functional doctor who can help you personalize your approach and make sure your supplements are safe.
Here are a few supplements that are often discussed in connection with breast cancer support.
Always check with your doctor before trying any of these:
-
Echinacea: The flavonoids active in echinacea are immune-boosting. Additionally, echinacea has been shown to mitigate some of the effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
-
Turmeric: Due to the phenolic substances, turmeric is often thought to be anticancerous.
-
Burdock: This root contains flavonoids and polyphenols that have antitumor properties.
-
Ginseng: This plant has been known to block the development of tumors and prevent cancer cells from growing.
-
Vitamin D: Many women with breast cancer are found to have low Vitamin D levels. Healthy levels support immune function and bone strength.
Dosage matters; more isn’t always better. A functional doctor can help you test for deficiencies, recommend the right forms of supplements and guide you on safe dosages that won’t interfere with your prescribed medications.
Supplements are best viewed as complements that work in conjunction with your medical care, rather than replacements. The right plan can support your energy, immune system and overall sense of well-being as you navigate the healing process.
3. Supporting Mental Health
Breast cancer affects not just the body but also the mind and emotions. It’s completely normal to feel waves of anxiety, sadness and even anger. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is a vital part of the healing process.
Simple practices can help create a sense of calm amidst uncertainty. A few minutes of deep breathing can bring peace when stress feels overwhelming. Many women also find comfort in prayer, journaling or listening to calming music.
These moments of stillness allow your body to shift out of “fight or flight” mode and into a state where healing can happen. Support doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Professional counseling or therapy can be a safe space to process emotions and learn healthy coping strategies.
4. Exercise Often
Exercise may be the last thing on your mind during breast cancer treatment, but gentle movement can be powerful. Research shows that staying active, even in small ways, can reduce fatigue, improve mood, support circulation and strengthen your immune system.
Start with what feels manageable. Short walks outside, light stretching or gentle yoga can all help release tension and lift your spirits. If you’re feeling up to doing more, activities like swimming or gentle strength training (with guidance from your doctor or a physical therapist) can help maintain muscle tone and support bone health.
Even a few minutes of daily activity can give you more energy and help you feel more in control of your body.
You’re Never Alone
Walking through breast cancer, whether personally or alongside someone you love, is never easy. But remember, you don’t have to choose between conventional medicine and natural support. Together, they can work beautifully, helping you heal while also nourishing your body at home.
If you’re looking for more encouragement and practical tips for everyday wellness, you might enjoy these blogs too:
Know that every step you take to care for your body truly matters. Healing is not only about treatments — it’s also about love, hope and the small daily choices that bring comfort and strength. You are not alone in this, ever, even in the hardest seasons.