How hyperbaric treatment can help breast cancer patients
Learn the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for breast cancer patients with delayed radiation injury
Many people who have battled breast cancer or witnessed a loved one going through breast cancer know that the battle isn’t over once radiation treatment ceases.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2023 are:
- About 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
- About 55,720 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) will be diagnosed.
- About 43,700 women will die from breast cancer. [2]
It’s not uncommon for breast cancer patients to seek treatment for the complications of their radiation therapy. Although radiation is highly effective at eliminating cancerous cells, it can also damage healthy cells in the process. As a result, breast cancer patients often face delayed radiation injuries for months or even years.
What you might not know is that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can help.
HBOT is a treatment used to speed up healing. It utilizes 100% oxygen to repair tissues and restore normal body function. Treatment involves patients simply entering a special pressurized chamber to breathe in pure oxygen.
Here are some of the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for breast cancer patients with delayed radiation injury:
Reducing pain
Many patients suffering from delayed radiation injuries often deal with pain. According to a study on HBOT for late radiation-induced tissue toxicity, breast cancer patients who were treated found a reduction in pain:
Before HBOT: 46% of patients had pain in the arm/shoulder
After HBOT: 17% of patients had pain in the arm/shoulder [1]
Before HBOT: 67% of patients had pain in the area of the affected breast
After HBOT: 15% of patients had pain in the area of the affected breast [1]
Reducing swelling
Many patients suffering from pain will also have serious swelling. According to the study:
Before HBOT: 45% of patients had swelling around the affected breast
After HBOT: 13% of patients had swelling around the affected breast [1]
Accelerated healing
HBOT is a noninvasive treatment that helps wounds heal properly and can reduce them in size. It also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, to transfer oxygen and infection-fighting white blood cells around the body.
Reducing sensitivity
HBOT can reduce oversensitivity of the affected breast in breast cancer patients. According to the study:
Before HBOT: 54% of patients had oversensitivity of the affected breast
After HBOT: 15% of patients had oversensitivity of the affected breast [1]
Saving damaged tissue
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for breast cancer patients has been proven to save damaged tissue from delayed radiation injury. According to the study:
Before HBOT: 32% of patients had skin problems on/in the area of the affected breast
After HBOT: 11% of patients had skin problems on/in the area of the affected breast [1]
All-natural treatment
HBOT is a treatment that utilizes oxygen, a naturally occurring element that is essential to life and healing. HBOT utilizes no chemicals.
After your battle with breast cancer, our mission is to make your recovery from delayed radiation injury as smooth and comfortable as possible. You can learn more about our patient experience here.
We work with all major insurance plans as well as out of pocket patients.
Contact us to schedule your consultation.
2: American Cancer Society | Key Statistics for Breast Cancer
