Non-pharmacological approaches continue to receive attention in the management of breast cancer patients, particularly in reducing pain that is often experienced in advanced stages.
A study conducted by Ilham Fajri along with a team of researchers from Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Pangandaran, West Java, Indonesia.
Included Donny Nurhamsyah, Kunni Alifatal Mudrikah, Salsa Aisyah, and Atiq Rizka Azjunia.
The study showed that non-pharmacological therapy is effective in reducing pain levels in patients with stage 2 to 4 breast cancer.
The research was published in the Indonesian Scientific Journal of Nursing (JIKI), Volume 5 Number 2. It was received in February 2022 and approved in March 2022.
Pain is a major problem for cancer patients. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. This disease affects not only physically but also psychologically.
The study stated that around 50 to 70 percent of cancer patients experience pain, either due to the tumor itself or as a side effect of treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
Persistent pain can significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life.
This condition highlights the need for additional approaches beyond primary medical therapy. In Indonesia, non-pharmacological therapy has proven to be highly effective.
The study conducted by the Padjadjaran University team is a literature review of 10 scientific journals published between 2016 and 2021.
The results show that various non-pharmacological therapies are able to significantly reduce the intensity of pain in cancer patients.
Some methods proven to be effective include:
🔴 Aromatherapy
🔴 Physical exercise
🔴 Cabbage leaf compress
🔴 Music and art therapy
🔴 Distraction techniques such as virtual reality
🔴 Relaxation techniques (guided imagery & progressive muscle)
In one of the findings, the patients' pain level was reported to decrease from an average of 5.09 percent to 3.09 percent after non-pharmacological intervention.
Cupping therapy is included as a complementary therapy and is considered to have principles aligned with non-pharmacological approaches.
Cupping is a natural treatment method that works by applying vacuum pressure to the surface of the skin.
In practice, this therapy is believed to help reduce pain. Scientifically, the mechanism of cupping can be explained through several approaches.
First, cupping improves blood circulation in certain areas, thereby enhancing the supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Second, this therapy stimulates the release of endorphins, natural substances in the body that function as pain relievers.
Third, cupping works through a neural mechanism known as the “gate control” theory,
where stimulation of the skin can inhibit the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
In addition, cupping is also thought to reduce inflammation in the body, which is one of the main factors causing pain in cancer.
In the study, cupping therapy functions as a complementary treatment, different from the mechanisms of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
Non-pharmacological therapy plays a greater role in improving patient comfort, reducing pain, and helping enhance quality of life.
The researchers suggest that non-pharmacological therapy be used as part of an integrative approach in cancer management.
Cancer patients can still undergo medical treatment while adding cupping therapy to help manage symptoms.
This approach is considered more effective because it not only addresses the disease physically but also considers the psychological and emotional aspects of the patient.
Although the results are promising, the researchers emphasize the need for further studies, particularly in developing more optimal combinations of non-pharmacological therapies.
In conclusion, non-pharmacological therapy has been proven to reduce pain in breast cancer patients.
Cupping, as one of the complementary therapies, has the potential to help through logical biological mechanisms.
However, this therapy should still be used wisely and performed by experienced cupping practitioners with decades of expertise.
Download Journal: Non-Pharmacological Therapy in Reducing Pain Levels in Stage 2–4 Breast Cancer Patients: Literature Review
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