Cancer
Cancer. A frightening diagnosis that we all hope we never receive. Cancer treatments are continually being developed and refined, in some cases with very good success, in others, with all too little. People have always turned to natural treatments for cancer and justification for doing so is growing quickly as natural medicine becomes more mainstream.
A growing body of scientific literature shows that many natural substances enhance the effectiveness of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, while often improving the patient's tolerance for the treatment and reducing or preventing long term complications. Yet some conventional doctors have still advise patients to stop all vitamins and supplements during cancer treatment.
The Seattle Cancer Treatment Center & Wellness Center is a pilot program of Cancer Treatment Centers of America. This Center was started when a conventional oncologist became curious about the good results he was seeing in patients who were also working with a naturopathic physician. Today patients at the Center have their choice of options. Many choose combined state of the art naturopathic and conventional treatments, and according to staff physician Dr. Paul Reilly, ND, are generally doing much better than the conventional statistics would predict. Dr. Reilly uses naturopathic protocols aimed at assisting patients through the often difficult side effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, as well as to improve overall health and immune function.
A number of natural substances including vitamin C, quercitin, green tea and fractionated citrus pectins may be useful as part of cancer treatment. Their use will vary with a particular patient's condition and situation, as well as the treatment options decided on. There are contraindications with some natural substances and treatments and certain conventional therapies. A person wishing to use natural medicines and treatments should consult with a licensed health care practitioner who is well versed with the specific use of natural medicines and therapies against cancer, as well as with conventional treatments.
I am often asked if I would I use conventional treatment if I were diagnosed with cancer? That would depend, but probably. I would do what I encourage my patients to do: make the best decision that you can, based on your situation and feelings, and the evidence available for conventional treatments, natural treatments, and combinations of both. Dr. Reilly, of Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center has found that for the majority of people the combination works best. I agree that for most people diagnosed with cancer a combination of the right conventional and natural treatments is an excellent option, and is likely to improve both quality and length of life over conventional treatment alone.
Copyright 2000 Dr. Isis van Loon.