Alternative and Complementary Cancer Therapy
One thing you have to consider when deciding to go for “alternative” or “complementary” treatment to your ailment is whether these would interfere with your traditional treatment, e.g. chemotherapy in cancer patients. For example, although St. John’s Wort has been repeatedly shown to be effective against depression, doctors advise against it among patients who are undergoing some forms of chemotherapy, because it interferes and reduces the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agents.
That’s one reason why you should always discuss alternative or complementary treatments with your doctor. He may not go for it (some doctors do not even believe some forms of alternative healing would actually help), but at least you need to know whether it would interfere with the mainstream doctor-prescribed treatment you are already getting.
If you’re looking for integrative cancer care treatment, check out the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. In addition to the conventional treatments CTCA also offers complementary and alternative medicine, which includes nutrition therapy and naturopathic medicine.
Do not seek alternative treatments on your own, that is, without medical supervision. Let your attending doctor know, or have a chat about your treatment options with one of CTCA’s Oncology Information Specialists.
Tags: alternative-medicine, Cance-Treatment-Centers-of-America, chemotherapy, diet, functional-food, health, health-food, Healthy Eating, healthy-diet, nutraceuticals, nutrition, ~CancerRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Food Talk, Healthy Eating, ~Dietary Supplements
2 opinions for Alternative and Complementary Cancer Therapy
Kristen King
Feb 14, 2007 at 11:33 am
Although I don’t have personal experience with CTCA, I’ve heard extremely negative things about the misleading nature of their advertising campaigns in the oncology community. I would thoroughly research any physician ahead of time, including speaking with current and former patients wherever possible, and getting support from patient advocacy groups.
kk
ruth
Feb 15, 2007 at 4:50 am
I absolutely agree Kristen! The controversy most likely arises form the fact that CTCA so openly supports “alternative” medicine, a practice that is regarded by much skepticism in the medical community.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: