CANCER SUPPORT
Cancer is a failure of the immune system to eliminate abnormal cells that grow excessively. The exact causes in each case are seldom known but a variety of different factors may contribute to the problem. The causes may include genetic inheritance, nutritional deficiencies, poisoning by toxic chemicals or heavy metals, chronic infections by viruses or bacteria, and chronic stress. Therapies designed to identify and address all of these issues can help remove the underlying causes and allow the body’s innate healing ability to support immune removal of cancer cells wherever they are.
A healthy diet is crucial and has been found by many types of health practitioners to reduce symptoms of cancer and promote regression of the tumors. Food that is whole, unprocessed and organic is best. Daily juicing can provide a big boost in missing nutrients in an easily assimilated form.
Heavy metal toxicity is very common and should be tested for so that a detoxification program can be started. Eliminating exposure to toxins in food, water, personal care products, household products, and work environments is important.
Liver detoxification capacity should be boosted by herbs and supplements. Proper bowel function is critical for adequate digestion of food and elimination of toxic wastes. A program to improve digestion and elimination is highly recommended. Digestive enzyme therapy is showing great promise in clinical studies and has a several decade history of success in helping cancer patients.
Chronic infections should be identified if possible and treated. Immune boosting supplements should be used.
Learning mindfulness meditation or a similar form of quieting the mind is necessary in order to learn how to better cope with stress. A regular spiritual practice is helpful and has been shown in surveys to be associated with improved survival. Good social support is highly predictive of a better outcome from cancer. Cultivation of good relationships with friends, family and coworkers is important.
A great variety of supplements and herbs to help cancer patients have been studied. While many show great promise, few high quality clinical trials have been done since these substances cannot be patented and marketed for high prices. The promotional hype around many products makes it difficult to tell which ones may be helpful.
The decision to use conventional chemotherapy is often difficult for patients to make. The type of cancer, the stage and other factors can give statistical guidance on how likely the chemotherapy is to be effective. A recent survey of cancer specialists revealed that the large majority would not take the chemotherapy they recommend to patients because of the low benefit and excessive toxicity. A select few cancers have highly effective therapies and these should be used by those with an alternative bent.
A comprehensive cancer support program is demanding of the patient in terms of time, effort and money. Little or none of the program is likely to be covered by insurance. Making the necessary changes in entrenched eating habits is often very difficult. A large number of supplements will need to be purchased and consumed several times daily. Learning how to better cope with stress requires new ways of thinking and behaving. Time for exercise, relaxed eating, daily meditation or prayer, and attending to the cancer treatments can be hard to find. Although the challenges can be daunting, many cancer patients say that the process of healing has created a sense of peace and harmony.
Daniel Blodgett MD