Alternative Therapies

Given the poor track record, and considerable side-effects, of conventional treatment for many cancers (especially when they are advanced stage) many patients have wondered what other "alternative" treatments might help them. It is important to note that more than 1/2 of newly diagnosed patients with cancer are cured with the usual therapies. Nevertheless, it also must be admitted that many patients have become even more sick from their treatment, and subsequently died, being made worse and not better from "conventional medical treatment". While the effectiveness of alternative therapy is hard to prove, since it was never in a "scientific" trial to demonstrate usefulness, no one has proven that it's not effective, either. Cancer is a complex disease, and it is reasonable to do everything in one's power to fight it. Some criterion for choosing reasonable alternative therapies include:

1) It should not be overtly poisonous. Obviously, standard chemotherapy agents are poisonous, but they are also given under strict medical supervision to deal with the side effects. The side effects of any treatment, conventional or alternative should be fully explained.

2) It should not be overly expensive. Sadly, there are unscrupulous people who prey upon other's misery, offering false hope at an exorbitant price. If practitioners really want to help a patient, they shouldn't break their bankbook. Be very wary of anyone offering a miracle cure at a stiff price!

3) You should be optimistic that it will help. Doctors have long known that any therapy is more likely to be effective if the patient really believes in it.

4) It should not keep the patient from simultaneously using other treatments they may benefit from, including standard medical care. Fighting the cancer with a strategy using all available treatments, including conventional, immune- ` building, alternative, nutritional and spiritual may be the best hope for curing cancer today.

5) If it doesn't work, be ready to admit it and try something else.