Exploring the Benefits of Holistic Approaches to Cancer Care
- Marcia Howard
- Apr 15, 2024
- 5 min read
Have you been noticing what has been happening in your nation? Cancer diagnoses are on the rise, especially for the under 50s and the medical society is scratching their heads as to what is driving it. As the title says, this is just an exploration but I hope it is enough to make you curious.
The Caution
I need to be very cautious when I say, that discussing a cancer diagnosis is a serious and sensitive matter and is often contentious. While I'm not a medical professional, I can provide a natural health practitioner's perspective on supporting overall health during those challenging times. I add my disclaimer here, it is crucial to emphasize that any approach to cancer should be done in collaboration with a qualified healthcare professional. However, natural health practices can complement conventional treatments but are not expected to replace them unless you have made a well-informed decision to do so. That is a necessary disclaimer, I must add if this blog post has any chance of survival on the internet.
A natural health practitioner is not allowed to make claims that they can cure cancer. This is considered false or misleading advertising, and prohibited by law in many countries. Making such claims can also harm the public by discouraging them from seeking evidence-based treatments and giving them false hope. A Natural Health Practitioner can only provide truthful, accurate and verifiable information about their services and products, but how do they do that when the medicine is years behind what natural healers have come to learn? They should also inform their clients about the limitations and risks of their methods, and respect their right to make informed decisions. You can see this is a well-regulated industry and for good reason, money talks and big money talks even louder.
How Much It Is Worth
The global cancer therapeutics market share is expected to be worth around US$ 393.61 billion by 2032 up from US$ 164 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 9.20% from 2023 to 2032. (Read more here) In the United Kingdom alone, it is estimated that 1 in 2 people will get cancer in their lifetime. If this estimation is correct, cancer treatment remains the biggest money-making venture even greater than the £49.2 billion the United Kingdom spends on defence in 2021/22. Cancer treatment drugs aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. The success rate of chemotherapy depends on many factors, such as the type, stage and grade of cancer, the overall health of the patient, and the response to other treatments. According to the American Cancer Society, the percentage of people who receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment varies by cancer type. For example, about 52% of people with bladder cancer and 99% of people with testicular cancer receive some form of chemotherapy.
The Survival Rate
The survival rate of people who undergo chemotherapy also varies by cancer type and stage. Survival rate refers to the percentage of people who live for a certain amount of time after a cancer diagnosis. The American Cancer Society provides survival rates for some common cancers based on data from people diagnosed between 2010 and 2016. For example, the 5-year relative survival rate for people with stage 4 bladder cancer who received chemotherapy was 5%, while the 5-year relative survival rate for people with stage 1 testicular cancer who received chemotherapy was 99%. Chemotherapy buys you time with no guarantees it will not return. It is also not without risks to short and long-term side effects.
The survival rate after chemotherapy for breast cancer depends on several factors, such as the stage and grade of the cancer, the type of chemotherapy drugs used, and the overall health of the patient. According to some sources, women diagnosed with breast cancer are about 90% as likely as those without cancer to live at least five years. However, this rate may vary depending on how long it takes to complete the chemotherapy treatment. A recent study found that women who finished their chemotherapy in less than 38 weeks had a higher five-year survival rate than those who took longer. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations and complete the chemotherapy as soon as possible. Chemotherapy buys you time and what you do with that time, is important.
Chemotherapy is not a cure for all cancers, but it can help control the growth and spread of cancer cells, relieve symptoms, and improve the quality of life for some of the recipients. It can also have side effects, such as nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and infection. The benefits and risks of chemotherapy should be discussed with a doctor before starting treatment and I advise, you to do your research, I implore you.
According to the American Cancer Society, the number of new cancer cases and deaths in the United States is expected to increase in 2023 compared to 2020. The organisation's annual Cancer Statistics project over 1.95 million people will be diagnosed with cancer and nearly 610,000 will die of cancer in 2023, an uptick from 2022 projections. The report attributes the rise in cancer incidence and mortality to several factors, including population growth, ageing, environmental exposures, lifestyle behaviours, and disparities in access to health care and prevention services. The most common cancers diagnosed in 2023 were projected to be breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers, while the most common causes of cancer death are projected to be lung, colorectal, pancreatic, and liver cancers.
There is no conclusive evidence that any natural remedy can cure cancer, at least according to science publications and medical practitioners, however, people who have experienced spontaneous remission or improvement of their condition by using alternative therapies such as herbs, vitamins, diet, or mind-body techniques might disagree with that statement. These cases are rare and often lack scientific verification, again, I want to say here, that they aren't looking to verify claims of this nature because it often means they cannot patent the cures. Therefore, the advice is, that it is not advisable to rely on natural means alone to treat cancer, as they may be ineffective, harmful, or interfere with conventional treatment although there is very little scientific evidence to support the claims of inefficacy. The industrial medical complex controls the narrative.
Protection of your body is your responsibility, if you are interested in exploring natural options, you should consult your doctor and a qualified practitioner before making any changes to your treatment plan. These are the areas you should focus on.
Nutrition: Focus on a nutrient-dense, whole-food diet. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Some cancer patients find comfort in incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, like turmeric, ginger, and green leafy vegetables.
Mind-Body Connection: Stress management is vital. Meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help alleviate stress and promote mental well-being. It's important to maintain a positive mindset and seek support from friends, family, or support groups.
Physical Activity: Engage in gentle exercises or activities based on your current health status. Regular movement can help improve mood, boost energy levels, and support overall well-being.
Holistic Therapies: Explore complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or aromatherapy, which some individuals find beneficial for symptom management and relaxation.
Remember, these suggestions are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare team to create a comprehensive and personalized plan tailored to your specific needs. I will be sharing more information in light of the present events because we must learn how to protect ourselves from the onslaught of diseases in our midst. Want to know? Send me a response on this.
On a lighter note, maintaining a sense of humour can be a powerful coping mechanism during challenging times. Laughter has been shown to have positive effects on both mental and physical well-being. Surrounding yourself with positivity and joy, even in small moments, can make a significant difference.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and would like some advice, why not book a chat with me today?
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