Complementary Therapy and Cancer Treatment
Some complementary therapies can be used safely and effectively with modern western modalities to treat cancer. Complementary therapies may increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation; they also may help ease the symptoms of well known side effects to western treatments. It is wise to use every tool in the arsenal when fighting cancer, so combining powerful medical therapies with noninvasive complements can increase effectiveness, decrease side effects, and increase a patient’s sense of power in their own care.
It is important to differentiate between alternative and complementary. Alternative therapies are offered as a total alternative to western care and do not take advantage of the powerful cancer treating modalities western medicine has developed in the last few decades. Alternative therapies are usually expensive, and they prevent timely care with western medicine – a sometimes fatal hesitation.
The best complements are noninvasive, inexpensive, safe, and evidence based (meaning well designed studies have proven effectiveness and safety). There are some faulty assumptions about complementary modalities: First, natural does not necessarily mean it is safe. Secondly, a long history of use does not mean the modality is necessarily effective. So it is important to be wary.
All effective therapies have potential side effects. This is true for botanicals as well as pharmaceutical medications. It is important to know that therapies are actually complementing each other rather than interfering with the healing process. With this valid concern, recent studies have begun to prove the effectiveness of some well known complements to western medicine. Complements that have been proven effective include some botanicals, diet, acupuncture, yoga, Tai Chi, touch therapies, meditation, hypnosis, and music therapy.
Herbs and botanicals are usually sought after to enhance the immune system while being treated for cancer. However, herbal immune enhancers, especially for cancer, have been found to be surprisingly problematic. It was first thought that strengthening the body’s immune system would help it fight the cancer. However, when studies were done, it was found that these herbs were actually interfering with the process of chemotherapy rather than supporting it. Another common problematic side effect is the anti-coagulant effects of many herbs. This may be a beneficial effect if over zealous blood clotting is a problem, but if the patient is anemic, or surgery is anticipated, these herbs can cause serious complications. So be wary – be wary of herb/drug interactions, and be wary of herbal side effects. For more information about specific herbs, go to Sloan-Kettering Integrative Medicine Resource.
Dietary supplements were also surprising when studied. Because antioxidants have been proven to protect cells, it was theorized that supplementing with antioxidants could minimize the damage to healthy cells while undergoing chemotherapy. However, a Scandinavian study looking at the effects of antioxidant supplements in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy unexpectedly showed that those patients did worse than those who did not take the supplements. It appears that the cancer cells were protected as well as the healthy cells. So it is now considered wise to take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables – the darker the better - but to avoid antioxidant supplements while using chemotherapy.
Some patients suffer from joint pain when going through chemo, and Taxol is one of the most offending agents. Complementing the Taxol with acupuncture, touch therapies, yoga, Tai Chi or other gentle exercise has proved helpful with these side effect symptoms.
Acupuncture has actually been proven beneficial for several
problems associated with chemotherapy. The
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Acupuncture, touch therapies like massage, and yoga are all best if supervised by a practitioner trained specifically in cancer treatment. The needs of cancer patients are unique to their situation and the best results are obtained when this is recognized.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, and you choose to fight, fight it with every tool you have. Embrace your therapies and honor yourself by recognizing the needs of your body, your mind, and your spirit. The wise use of complementary therapies can increase your quality of life and help you through this most difficult time.