Summary
BACKGROUND: The development of malignant tumors is a largely unresolved issue. Western medicine has made substantial contributions to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Negative multifactorial events appear to be plausible catalysts of such diseases. A holistic perspective in breast cancer treatment should not to be considered as antithetical, but should rather be applied in accordance with Western medicine, while more strongly focussing on a multifaceted pattern of development. METHODS: We summarize substantial insights emanating from holistic perspectives in oncology and discuss relevant publications with respect to prevention, nutrition and supplementation, diagnostic measures, psychooncology and symptom-oriented treatment. RESULTS: The examples and references reported here demonstrate the effectiveness of holistic oncological therapy and aim to make treating physicians more strongly aware of useful, yet in part unfamiliar treatment approaches. The methods that already can be applied to the prevention and treatment of malignant disease include a healthy life style and nutritional habits, a pleasant working area, psychohygiene, energy work and relaxation exercises. CONCLUSIONS: In sum, patients should today be seen as responsible partners within the "cancer disease" complex. We argue that by means of intensive clarification they be offered help in psychologically processing the possible causes for their cancer and thus cope with their disease as they personally think fit.