Alternative therapies for cancer treatment
HCS/436
April 29, 2014
Maria Libano Alternative Therapies for Cancer Treatment Treatment for terminal illness nowadays in most advance nation, in the domain of medicine, is not limited to single absolute regimen or perhaps, couple of so called convectional fashion of tackling a terminal disease such as any for cancer. There have been some successful testimonies from patient who adopted alternative means to treat cancer or complimentary methods to tackle the cancer. To illustrate this, Tamara St. John in her “Defeat Cancer Now” depicts how she conquered cancer by adopting alternative measures because she despised all the side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy way of treating breast cancer. It was a success. Currently and beside complimentary or supplementary regimen to treat cancer, different options are available for alternative therapies for cancer treatment including acupuncture, spiritual aspect as in prayer, meditation, support group, just to name a few. Most people agreed upon that “ there is no harm in trying” which implies that if a person is going through difficulties especially an illness such as cancer, they will try different option that are available to them, in order to cope. Alternative therapies and treatment can also be utilized to maintain and sustain life. “The uses of complementary and alternative therapies continue to increase within the population” (Henderson & Donatelle, 2004, p.2). Different options are available to manage side effect and support an individual during this difficult period of cancer. Brief Description about Cancer “Cancer is defined as an abnormal growth of cells that can transfer to other part of the body, can be benign or malignant” (Shubhha, 2007, p.5). The growth and pattern of normal cell can be predictable, but with abnormal growth of cell, the size or pattern is uncertain and has the potential to metastasize to other body systems or organs of the body. With the continuous use of modern technology, early screening, and advance medicine has reflect early detection of these abnormal cells and thereby reduce the high incidence of mortality. “Cancer accounts for 25% of all deaths, which makes it second leading cause of death in the United States” (Copstead & Banasik, 2010, p.116). Screening and Comparison There are screening for example breast, prostrate, or cervical and readily available sources to prevent and treat the disease. Cervical screening and follow up can prevent the risk of developing cancer and can detect abnormal cell growth especially for African American women when “compared with white women, more black women take longer to complete these tests after finding out they have a mammogram that is not normal”( www.cancer.gov/cancer). The reason is that according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Black women have the highest breast cancer death rates of all racial and ethnic groups and are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women” (www.cdc.gov). Also, individual lifestyle and environmental factors can also influence the cause of the disease. Lifestyle Factors Certain lifestyle factors including tobacco use, obesity, poor nutrition, and excessive sun exposure are significant risk for cancer. The knowledge about the disease and the different treatment that is available can assist an individual in preventing and managing cancer. There are alternative therapies that are used alongside with standard medical care and procedure. “Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care” (www.nlm.nih.gov). They are used to alleviate and manage side effect after standard therapies like radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, etc. For example the use of acupuncture to relieve the side effect of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Also, “research has shown that acupuncture reduces nausea and vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy” (www.cancer.gov/cancer). Positive Affirmation and Spirituality Individual can cultivate a positive attitude to manage the stress of the disease, join a support group or believe in the higher power for healing. From personal experience, when one is faced with difficulties or challenges, praying fervently and calling on the Lord Jesus to take control. Meditating on the scriptures of the Bible and reciting it to stay strong and be courageous. One will place confidence and hope in God for a miracle because the word of God says that “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Gibson stated that” prayer has been identified as the second most popular CAM therapy” (2012). Relaxation Technique Relaxation techniques will be listening to healing gospel music, uplifting songs, and getting a massage to manage fatigue, alleviate pain, and soothe the mental aspect of the mind. Also, having support group from church, pastors, or other close friend visitation can also help in coping with cancer. Praying partners from the church or prayer team will be seeking God on an individual behalf for mercies and favor of healing from God. Also, another form of relaxation that one does is watching African movies or traditional movies and reading. Conclusion These alternative therapies can enhance the healing process and enable individual to cope with side effect during this difficult period of cancer whether going through chemotherapy or radiation therapy. There are also successful stories from individual that have utilized these alternative therapies. As this disease is the second most leading cause of death in America, care and prevention should be taken to manage and cope with an illness like cancer. References
Copstead, L. C., & Banasik, J. L. (2010). Pathophysiology (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/az/c.html
Gibson, C. (2012). MALE CANCER PATIENTS TURN TO ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT. Australian Nursing Journal, 19(8), 40. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53%3A5&version=NKJV http://www.tamarastjohn.com/
Henderson, J., & Donatelle, R. (2004). Complementary and alternative medicine use by women after completion of allopathic treatment for breast cancer. Alternative Therapies In Health & Medicine, 10(1), 52-57.
National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health Retrieved From: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment
Shubha, R. (2007). Psychosocial issues and cancer in end-of-life care. Journal Of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 45(8), 24-29.
U.S. National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/complementaryandalternativemedicine.html