Integrative Cancer Treatment
Written by Debra Kirchhof-Glazier
Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases and understandably so. The treatments are harsh, and the disease is difficult to eradicate. On the positive side, cancer is a condition that lends itself particularly well to integrative medical treatment. Adding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to conventional treatment can increase quality of life and longevity. Several CAM modalities, such as clinical nutrition, acupuncture, and mind-body techniques, are becoming mainstream, while others, such as herbal remedies and homeopathy, are beginning to gain credibility. The National Cancer Institute provides information about various types of alternative therapies on their website at http://www.cancer.gov/cam/
Good nutrition is paramount during cancer treatment to support the body as it fights the disease and undergoes the rigors of drugs, surgery, and/or radiation. However, good nutrition is often difficult to achieve either because of the cancer itself or side effects from conventional treatment. Common problems include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, trouble swallowing, and sores or dryness of the mouth. Rebecca Katz, a nutritionist and gourmet chef in San Francisco, wrote One Bite at a Time: Nourishing Recipes for Cancer Survivors and Their Friends when her own father developed cancer. This book features tasty recipes made from nutrient-dense foods prepared with “the power of yum” and includes moving anecdotes from cancer patients who were able to eat again. Rebecca includes a recipe for what she calls Magic Mineral Broth, which can be used as a stock in soups or as a tea for powerful nutritional support. For those who have difficulty chewing and swallowing food, nutritious meals can be taken in liquid form by preparing them in a Vitamix, a blender with a 2 horsepower engine that can liquefy virtually anything.
An interesting twist on nutrition has recently emerged in cancer treatment. Fasting appears to protect normal cells but not cancer cells from the effects of chemotherapy. The original research was done with mice but a clinical trial with 10 patients substantiated the findings. Fasting resulted in less fatigue, weakness, and fewer gastrointestinal side effects without sacrificing the benefits of the chemotherapy. The Mayo Clinic is currently recruiting patients for a more extensive study.
Acupuncture is effective in a variety of contexts that relate to cancer treatment. Strong evidence exists for the effects of acupuncture in reducing nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy and surgery. Other studies have shown that acupuncture relieved fatigue in cancer patients, enhanced immune function, and increased blood cell count. In addition, acupuncture either relieved symptoms or prevented them from becoming worse in cancer patients suffering from weight loss, fluid retention in the arms and legs, coughing, dry mouth, and depression. Qualified acupuncturists can be found in the State College area.
Mind-body techniques can help increase quality of life, lessen pain, and increase longevity for cancer patients. There is a wide variety of techniques but all are intended to facilitate a positive state of being. Some examples include deep breathing, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, tai chi, music therapy, nature therapy, and prayer. Hospitals across the country are beginning to include some of these methods in treating patients. The Center for Mind Body Medicine, founded in 1991 by Dr. James Gordon, a clinical professor at the Georgetown University School of Medicine, has been a leader in this complementary aspect of cancer care.
There are many herbal treatments with purported efficacy in cancer treatment. One of the most well-known is Essiac tea, which has sheep sorrel as a major component. Current research has failed to substantiate enthusiastic claims of Essiac’s effectiveness, but well-designed clinical trials are admittedly lacking. More research is needed before firm conclusions can be made. On the other hand, red clover, the main ingredient in Sweet Annie’s C Tea, has been shown in a 2011 study reported in the European Journal of Pharmacology to inhibit cancer cell growth and inflammation. The effects of red clover are attributed to Biochanin-A, an estrogen-like component found in this plant, as well as in alfalfa and cabbage.
Homeopathy is currently outside the purview of both conventional medicine and science in general. The theory behind homeopathy is that substances that cause certain diseases can be used as treatments when made in dilute preparations. Also, and most perplexingly, the more dilute the remedy the more powerful its effects. Regardless of the fact that homeopathy flies in the face of reason, it is used by credible alternative medical practitioners in the United States and around the world and may hold some promise for cancer treatment. In this regard, a study at the Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas published in 2010 showed that 4 homeopathic remedies were effective in halting cell division and causing cell death in two different breast cancer lines.
Undoubtedly, it is far better to avoid getting cancer than to treat it. Although there is no magic button, increasing evidence is emerging to suggest that adequate levels of vitamin D are protective against many forms of cancer. Because vitamin D is difficult to get from food and most people do not receive adequate sun exposure, healthy blood levels usually require supplementation. Check with your doctor for guidelines on how much vitamin D to take and then take it with a full meal that has some fats in order to absorb this important vitamin. A healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition, exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction can also be powerful allies in maintaining your health. But if you or a loved one fall prey to cancer, an integrative approach could be a very wise course of action.
The Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association makes no medical claims or recommendations. Check with your doctor about your specific health care needs.