Alternative and Complementary Medicines in the Management of Chronic Breast Cancer: A Discrete Choice Cost and Clinical Case Report
January 2018
TLDR Alternative therapies like mushrooms and vinegar extracts can improve health and reduce costs for breast cancer patients.
The study at the Phytobiotechnology Research Foundation (PRF) clinic involved 25 breast cancer patients, with 10 selected for a cost-benefit qualitative analysis. These patients underwent extensive conventional treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, with significant financial and logistical burdens. Despite these efforts, the outcomes were not significantly beneficial. The patients then opted for an alternative and complementary therapy using culinary mushrooms and vinegar extracts, which led to notable improvements, including reduced swelling, weight gain, and hair regrowth. The study concluded that alternative and complementary therapies could improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYS) for breast cancer patients in Africa.
