There are several choices for cancer treatment. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) may be one of them. These alternatives are not considered a part of conventional medicine.
History
Complementary treatments have been used on cancer patients along with conventional medical treatments. Alternative treatments are used instead of conventional medicine. They are the natural way of alleviating the negative effects of conventional drugs and cancers and, in some cases, provide a cure without the need of chemotherapy or radiation.
Significance
These treatments can be used to cope with the side effects of conventional treatments, such as pain, nausea, stress, or fatigue. The National Cancer Institute began the Best Case Series Program in 1991 to evaluate alternative approaches being used in the treatment of cancer.
Types
There are several natural methods to choose from in the treatment of cancer or to help ease the effects of conventional treatments.
Mind-body treatments, such as meditation, use focused breathing or repetition of words or phrases to ease the mind. With biofeedback, by using simple machines, the patient learns affect certain body functions that they are not normally aware of. Hypnosis puts the patient in a state of relaxed and focused attention achieved by concentrating on a certain feeling, idea, or suggestion to help heal or ease the mind. Yoga helps by stretching and posing the body, and one pays attention to one's breathing. Imagery is where the patient imagines scenes, pictures, or experiences to aid in healing. Creative outlets, such as art, dance, or music serve mainly for stress release.
Biological-based treatments, such as vitamins, herbs, food, and special diets, can also be used.
Body-based and manipulative treatments are chiropractic care, massage, and reflexology.
Energy medicine includes such practices as reiki, tai chi, qi gong, and therapeutic touch.
Whole medical treatments utilize ayurvedic medicine, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, and naturopathic medicine.
Considerations
It's important that patients inform their health care providers of any information on alternative and complementary treatments they may be using or considering. Patients need to know the benefits, risks, side effects, and any interference with conventional medicine, if the therapy is part of a clinical trial and who sponsors it, and if their health insurance will cover alternative therapy treatments. Patients should learn about how each therapy works. They should also study the results of scientific reports to make sure the claims made for the therapies are supported. Ask your medical practitioner for advice in choosing an alternative practitioner. Ask for their training, qualifications, if they have dealt previously with the patient's type of cancer, and if they are willing to work with their conventional doctor.
Warning
A natural product does not necessarily mean it's safe. Some herbs may cause an adverse reaction when used with conventional drugs, or may interfere with its action. Some herbal supplements and vitamins can also act as a drug in the body, and all have not yet been proven to be totally safe. Some high doses of certain vitamins can affect the way in which chemotherapy and radiation work.
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