Alternative Medicine and Cancer

One of the most common uses for alternative medicine is in the management of chronic illness. Many of the alternative medical systems work hand in hand with conventional treatments for illnesses like cancer, heart disease, asthma, arthritis and diabetes. Most of the chronic conditions are considered incurable, and treatment is aimed at slowing the progress of the disease and alleviating symptoms.

Most official bodies of medicine that deal with chronic disease have adopted the attitude that providing information on alternative therapies is the best policy. Thus, you’ll find information about the use of alternative therapies, ongoing clinical trials and ways that treatments like massage, aromatherapy, herbal medicines and other complementary therapies can impact treatment or ease side effects and symptoms of cancer, chemotherapy and radiation on the American Cancer Institute web site as well as on government web sites that offer information on health.

Specific therapies and treatments that are used in treatment of cancer include:

Nutrition Based
The specific recommendations for diet depend on the variety of cancer, but the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute both offer the following guidelines for diet and nutrition for cancer patients:

+ Increase consumption of natural, whole foods
+ Eat whole grains instead of processed foods
+ Include at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables in your diet daily.
+ Take a high quality multivitamin supplement to support your immune system

Herbal Remedies
Again, specific herb combinations are dependent on type of cancer, but some herbal medicines have been shown to help with nausea associated with chemotherapy. These include ginger root and fennel seed. In addition, teas and herbal remedies containing gingko biloba, red clover, quercetin and turmeric may help support the immune system. If you choose to use herbal therapies, be certain that your doctor knows exactly what you are taking to prevent drug interactions.

Acupuncture and Massage Therapies
Massage and body therapies can be useful in alleviating symptoms and controlling pain and nausea associated with some cancer treatments. They may be used in conjunction with conventional therapy, or after completion of other therapy.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been shown effective in reducing nausea and helping with pain control after surgery and chemotherapy.

Meditation Based Therapies
Meditation and yoga therapies may be helpful in promoting quality of life and well-being. Other mind-body based therapies may also be useful in helping to manage depression and other emotional problems that may result from dealing with diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Prevention
There is considerable evidence that diet and nutrition can help prevent cancer from developing. Specifically, cruciferous vegetables and fruits that are high in antioxidants seem to have a beneficial effect on the immune system and on slowing and preventing the growth of cancer cells.

Neither the American Cancer Society nor the National Cancer Institute recommend nutritional supplements for the prevention or treatment of cancer. Instead, they strongly support a healthy, balanced diet that emphasizes whole, raw and natural grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean meats, low fat and few processed foods.