By Henry Relfield
A diagnosis of cancer brings with it an acute awareness that there are no guarantees in life. Though this can be most devastating in terms of facing your own mortality, it reverberates through many other aspects of the cancer experience, including uncertainty in regard to diagnosis, the effectiveness of conventional treatment options, and the safety of all complementary therapies, we can make some generalized statements.
Mind-body techniques are generally safe. If meditation, stress reduction, counseling, relaxation, journaling, or any other mind-body approach appeals to you, it is worth a try, and it will assuredly enhance your sense of well-being. Acupuncture, biofeedback, constitutional medicine, and naturopathic medicine are all considered safe when offered by a licensed practitioner and when used as complementary therapies to conventional cancer treatments. Botanical and dietary supplements are safe and effective when used appropriately under the guidance of qualified licensed health-care practitioners.
Ultimately, evaluating safety as it relates to cancer treatment is individualized based on the person, the cancer, and the information the person receives. A 35-year-old woman with stage IV lung cancer will view the safety of a particular herb or treatment differently than will a 65-year-old man with stage II prostate cancer, and they will also assess the pros and cons differently. In the end, you will make the best decision if you gather as much information as you can, consider it carefully, and clearly understand the risks versus the benefits. Remember, just because something is labeled "natural" does not mean it is safe. Then again, just because a drug is approved by the FDA does not guarantee its safety, either.
Even if supplements are safe on their own, their interactions with conventional medications may make them unsafe. This is one of the reasons why it is important to utilize the expertise of a licensed health-care provider such as a naturopathic physician or integrative physician when combining supplements with conventional treatments. This is particularly true in the case of cancer because the disease is complicated and the treatments are powerful.
More information is being discovered at a rapid pace regarding interactions of herbs and supplements with drugs used in cancer treatment. Some of the interactions may decrease the effectiveness of conventional treatment, and some may increase the side effects. In addition, some herbs may be contraindicated for certain cancer types. Given the substantial potential benefits as well as risks associated with supplements, we recommend that patients consult a naturopathic physician, and ideally a naturopathic oncologist. These doctors are trained in the scientific use of natural therapies and have extensive training in health and disease as well.
A diagnosis of cancer brings with it an acute awareness that there are no guarantees in life. Though this can be most devastating in terms of facing your own mortality, it reverberates through many other aspects of the cancer experience, including uncertainty in regard to diagnosis, the effectiveness of conventional treatment options, and the safety of all complementary therapies, we can make some generalized statements.
Mind-body techniques are generally safe. If meditation, stress reduction, counseling, relaxation, journaling, or any other mind-body approach appeals to you, it is worth a try, and it will assuredly enhance your sense of well-being. Acupuncture, biofeedback, constitutional medicine, and naturopathic medicine are all considered safe when offered by a licensed practitioner and when used as complementary therapies to conventional cancer treatments. Botanical and dietary supplements are safe and effective when used appropriately under the guidance of qualified licensed health-care practitioners.
Ultimately, evaluating safety as it relates to cancer treatment is individualized based on the person, the cancer, and the information the person receives. A 35-year-old woman with stage IV lung cancer will view the safety of a particular herb or treatment differently than will a 65-year-old man with stage II prostate cancer, and they will also assess the pros and cons differently. In the end, you will make the best decision if you gather as much information as you can, consider it carefully, and clearly understand the risks versus the benefits. Remember, just because something is labeled "natural" does not mean it is safe. Then again, just because a drug is approved by the FDA does not guarantee its safety, either.
Even if supplements are safe on their own, their interactions with conventional medications may make them unsafe. This is one of the reasons why it is important to utilize the expertise of a licensed health-care provider such as a naturopathic physician or integrative physician when combining supplements with conventional treatments. This is particularly true in the case of cancer because the disease is complicated and the treatments are powerful.
More information is being discovered at a rapid pace regarding interactions of herbs and supplements with drugs used in cancer treatment. Some of the interactions may decrease the effectiveness of conventional treatment, and some may increase the side effects. In addition, some herbs may be contraindicated for certain cancer types. Given the substantial potential benefits as well as risks associated with supplements, we recommend that patients consult a naturopathic physician, and ideally a naturopathic oncologist. These doctors are trained in the scientific use of natural therapies and have extensive training in health and disease as well.
Post a Comment