(also referred to as...) Carcinoma, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Sarcoma Introduction Despite a never-ending increase in efforts to better understand the disease, incidences of cancer continue to rise. In fact, cancer is second only to heart disease as the greatest killer in the Western World. The word cancer is derived from the Latin word meaning "crab", as the outline of many cancerous tumours resembles a crab -- with the body being the primary cell mass and the claws being the invasive tumour margins. Cancer is an umbrella term describing an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. This can result from a variety of influences, but cancerous growths are always traced back to errors in the process of cell division.
Cell Division DNA, our genetic blueprint, is reproduced every time a cell divides. And although this is an extremely precise process, your body is home to an unimaginable amount of cells -- cells that are constantly duplicating. The process occurs at such a rate that mistakes in duplication are inevitable. In fact, they occur several times on a daily basis. However, not every mistake, or mutated cell, forms into a cancerous growth. The human body is very adept at recognizing and riding itself of abnormalities. Your immune system will detect and destroy most unwanted cells. Some mutated cells avoid attacks by your immune system though, and grow, unchecked, much like any other cell mass. It multiplies again and again. Unlike normal tissue growth however, cancer cells do not obey the rules, often growing beyond the "off switch" that our bodies use to control the growth of normal tissue. It continues to grow until it forms a lump called a tumour.
Tumours and Cell Growth A tumour is defined as an abnormal tissue growth that serves no useful function in the body. "Tumour" should thus not be readily associated with cancer until proper diagnostic procedures have been performed ...
Benign Tumours Freckles, moles, and fatty lumps under the skin all represent benign tumours: abnormal cell growths that do not pose any dangers to surrounding tissue. They can be removed or left alone, generating only aesthetic concerns, if any. It is important to note that benign tumours, wherever they may be located, are confined to a certain area and do not impede bodily function.
Malignant Tumours The danger of abnormal cell growth is not the mass itself but rather its ability to invade surrounding tissue and to spread to other, often distant, parts of your body. This more invasive type of cell growth is what is referred to as a cancerous, or malignant tumour. Contrary to common perception, the difference between benign and malignant growth is not clear-cut. Although truly benign tumours exist (as in the examples above) as do ones that are unquestionably cancerous, the spectrum of cancer behaviour is not simply black and white.
Crossing the Line While there are benign tumours that predispose themselves to becoming cancerous, some tumours that are more malignant in nature progress so slowly that they never pose a threat to your health, treated or not. Generally speaking, though, the ability of a tumour to invade surrounding tissue, to grow rapidly, and to metastasize (spread) from its site of origin to distant parts of your body, is clear evidence of both malignancy and serious health concern.
Types of Cancer Cancer encompasses more than 200 diseases, with different causes, symptoms, and degrees of aggressiveness (the speed of growth and spread). Most types of cancer fall under one of four categories: carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and leukemias.
Carcinomas Carcinomas develop in the tissues that cover the surface internal organs and their passageways. These are also called epithelial cancers. They generally develop in an organ that secretes something, such as breast tissue, which secretes milk, or lung tissue, which secretes mucous.
Sarcomas Sarcomas develop in bone and soft tissue, including muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. Sarcomas are not confined to certain areas, as supporting and connective tissue is found throughout your body. Organs also contain connective tissues (not just surface tissues) and, as a result, the same organ that develops a carcinoma can also develop a sarcoma.
Lymphomas Lymphomas affect the lymphatic system (a system of vessels used to flush toxins from your body) and tumours detected within are almost always malignant. One type of lymphoma is called Hodgkin's Disease, while all of the others are generally described as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (although there are many sub-categories of each).
Leukemias Leukemias are cancers affecting white blood cells and are named after the type of white blood cell affected. For instance, plasma cell myeloma is a leukemia affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Symptoms and Signs The trouble with detecting cancer is the rate at which it grows. Cancers grow exponentially, doubling in size with each duplication process. One cell becomes two, then four, eight, sixteen, thirty-two, and so on. This initial, or silent period, may take months or years to progress and there is no lump or mass as evidence of cancerous activity. Even after 20 doublings, when about one million cells are present, the abnormal cell mass is too small to be felt or detected. By the time a lump can be felt through pressure symptoms or bleeding, or detected through methods such as x-ray, it is usually 1 cm in diameter, has doubled 30 times, and contains about 1 billion cells. At this point, some of the following symptoms (reflected in the American Cancer Society's list of Seven Early Warning Signals), although usually subtle, can appear -- they are an indication of not only the presence of a tumour, but also that the cell mass has invaded surrounding tissue: - Change in bowel or bladder habits
- A sore that does not heal
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere
- Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
- Obvious change in wart or mole
- Nagging Cough or hoarseness
Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean that you have cancer. However, early detection of cancer is key -- the American Cancer Society estimates that 170,000 or more deaths from cancer in the United States per year could have been prevented through early detection. In other words, do not hesitate to consult your naturopath or other health practitioner if any of these symptoms arise.
Additional Detection Methods Breast Self-Exam For women, a self-examination of the breasts is important on a monthly basis. Examine your breasts at the same point during your menstrual cycle, while avoiding your menstrual period, when your breasts may swell and become tender and lumpy. Your breasts will also become larger and more firm during pregnancy, as your body prepares for breastfeeding. If you notice a lump or thickening in your breast tissue, have it examined as soon as possible. Most of the time it is just fibrocytic changes that occur in your breasts, which is of no cause for concern. Other signs include a change in the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or puckering, retraction of the nipple, or nipple discharge. There may also be redness or swelling and your lymph nodes located in the armpits may be enlarged. Chronic fatigue often occurs with rapidly progressing cancers of any type.
Stool Testing Kit A kit, which can be purchased at most drug stores, can detect if there is any blood in the stool -- a possible sign of colon cancer. One test involves dropping a piece of chemically-treated paper into the toilet bowl, which will then change colour if any blood is present in the stool. Do not panic though: conditions such as ulcers, fissures, hemorrhoids, and various digestive disorders will produce the same symptom. If the test turns out positive, consult your naturopath or other health practitioner to rule out the presence of cancer and to determine the possible causes of your condition. For men, it is important to check for testicular cancer on a monthly basis. Carefully check for hard lumps or nodules, preferably after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Other warning signs of testicular cancer include pain in the lower abdomen or groin, discomfort in your testicle(s), and enlargement or tenderness of the breasts.
Physical Checkup A good physical examination should include a thorough and systematic search throughout your body for signs of abnormalities, including the possible presence of cancer. Areas containing lymph nodes (such as in the neck, armpits and groin) are prone to malignant growths and should be carefully examined. The prostate gland should be examined for men (through probing the rectum with a gloved finger) and the breasts for women. The abdomen should be carefully pushed to detect possible abnormalities in abdominal organs, especially the liver and spleen. Examinations of the pelvic area for women are essential in detecting cancers of the cervix, uterus, and ovaries. Blood Tests Suspicions of cancer may lead to blood tests, which can reveal elevated levels of certain chemicals if a specific cancer is present. For instance, elevated alkaline phosphate levels may indicate bone or liver cancer, while excess prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is a sign of prostate cancer.
Imaging Techniques X-rays, through passing a small dose of electromagnetic radiation through a specific area of the body and onto a film, can help your doctor determine whether cancer is present. Until recently, x-rays were the only imaging techniques used and surgeons would have to open up your body to take a better look if x-rays we unable to generate the necessary images. Nuclear scans involve using radioactive isotopes to produce images on film. Angiography is a useful way to study blood vessels in specific parts of your body. Computed Tomography (CT) scans involve a greater exposure to radiation but provide far better imaging than x-rays. They are useful when cancer is strongly suspected. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields to produce images on screen. Absolutely no x-rays are involved and this procedure generates very precise imaging. However, the magnetic field can interfere with patients who have implanted devices such as pacemakers. Ultrasound uses sound waves to enter your body and presents an image on screen without the need for x-rays and the procedure is completely non-invasive.
Other Detection Methods Endoscopy involves the use of thin telescopes to look inside body cavities with natural openings. For instance, a bronchoscope, when inserted into the mouth and down the windpipe, is a quick procedure often used to detect the presence of lung cancer. Cytological Studies involve the study of cells from suspected cancerous areas. Cells are scraped and removed, and then analyzed under a microscope. During a Pap smear, the cervix is scraped and brushed to analyze potentially cancerous cells. Bone marrow analysis is used to determine the presence of bone cancer and the spread of other cancers. In this procedure, a syringe is inserted into the bone and a small amount of liquid bone marrow is extracted for analysis. Biopsies involve surgically removing a section, or the entire tumour for analysis.
Causes The exact causes of cancer are widely unknown. The risk factors for acquiring certain cancers are clear, however, and will be listed below. Risk factors do not exist in a vacuum. They are complex and numerous. They interact with each other, and any one or a combination of many can trigger a cell mutation that eventually becomes a malignant tumour. In addition, a common feature of the development of cancer is the lengthy period, often over many years, between subjection to a carcinogenic agent (a cancer causing substance) and the emergence of a recognizable cancer. The most likely reason for this silent, or "latent" period is that the carcinogenic agent does not itself, in one step, cause the cancer. Rather, it leaves that cell(s) more vulnerable to further mutations by other cancer causing agents. A cell or cell mass with a sufficient number of mutations, or "hits", may then outgrow its neighbouring tissue and form into a tumour. This tumour can then be subjected to cell duplications and even further mutation, eventually growing to the extent that it invades surrounding tissue and metastasizes to other organs. In other words, it takes several attacks by several invaders over the course of a lengthy period to trigger a cancerous growth. This is why it is so difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of the disease.
Risk Factors Age For most cancers, incidence is quite rare under the age of thirty. That number rises exponentially and dramatically with age. For instance, while cases of prostate cancer are virtually non-existent in men under 40, autopsies reveal that most men over 80 have some degree of prostate cancer even though their deaths resulted from unrelated reasons. Some experts believe that prostate cancer, as well as other cancers, are natural diseases of aging (though some cancers are extremely rare in some parts of the world). The best known explanation for the relationship between increased age and cancer is the lengthy time it takes for cells to mutate to the extent where a cancer is formed. It is estimated that anywhere from three to seven of these mutations are required to form a recognizable cancer -- a process that may take several decades. Furthermore, with increased age comes reduced immune capacity, leaving your body more susceptible to damage by carcinogenic agents. Not all cancers are more prevalent with increased age. Testicular cancer, for example, shows a peak incidence between ages 20 and 50 before declining with older age. Cancers of the nervous system and leukemias are not only prevalent in old age but also during early childhood.
Heredity Tumour growth can be promoted by a family history of cancer. You and your naturopath or other health practitioner should always be more wary of your cancer risk if family history is involved. However, it is estimated that only 2% of all cases of cancer are caused directly by heredity. Studies linking heredity to cancer risk are often misleading and exaggerated. It is important to remember that families share environment and lifestyle just as much as they do genes; lifelong bad habits (such as poor diet and exercise) and environmental conditions (such as smoking and other pollutants) that expose you to greater risks of cancer are more often than not learned and shared at home.
Diet Diet is the most important risk factor for cancer. A diet high in both saturated and unsaturated fats and low in fibre appears to play a significant role in the development of cancers of the colon, rectum, prostate, testes, breast, uterus, and gallbladder. Several studies have shown that countries that consume higher quantities (per individual) of dietary fats and meats also have higher incidences breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Studies have also shown that diet conscious vegetarians have a lower general incidence of all types of cancer. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact variables that cause the disparities in cancer incidence rates between certain countries (as there are plenty of other differences such as environmental conditions, age distribution, and the many lifestyle factors that also affect cancer risk), it is clear that the incidence of some cancers at a given age in different parts of the world varies at least ten, or possibly a hundred, fold. African Americans, for example, have cancer incidence rates resembling those of Americans in general. However, the Black population of West Africa, from which the large majority of African Americans were originally drawn, has an incidence rate of colon cancer ten times lower than do African Americans. Similar studies have been carried out on Japanese settlers in the United States. Although incidence rates of certain cancers amongst Japanese people living in Japan are relatively low, Japanese Americans, whose families have lived in the United States for three generations, display cancer incidence rates similar to those of the greater American population. The American diet, when compared to that of the Japanese, contains 10 times more animal protein and 3 times more dietary fat. It is suspected that the rise in cancer incidence rates amongst Japanese Americans is strongly associated with assuming the high-fat, low-fibre American diet. Eating preserved foods, especially smoked or nitrate-cured meats, increases your risk of cancers of the esophagus and stomach. Poor dietary habits in general weaken your immune system, impairing your body's own cancer preventing capacities. Furthermore, poor dietary habits expose your body to damage by free radicals. Free radicals are negatively charged atoms or compounds that usually occur in pairs. However, free radicals are chemically unstable when they occur individually and readily join to other compounds. This can cause cell mutation and promotes potentially cancerous growths. Dangerous levels of free radicals in your body (they occur naturally in smaller amounts) can occur as by products of breaking down excess fats, especially fats that have been cooked at high temperatures. Exposure to x-rays and to other environmental pollutants also promotes the creation of free radicals. Antioxidants, such as vitamin A, C, and E, selenium, and alpha-lipoic acid neutralize free radicals by bonding to their unstable electrons (see dedicated section on Antioxidants for further detail). A diet low in antioxidant intake can further subject your body to free radical damage.
Environmental Carcinogens Exposure to coal products, benzene, cadmium, uranium, asbestos, and nickel increase the risk of developing cancer. Excess exposure to ultraviolet radiation can occur even on cloudy days, and can promote skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Obesity In men, obesity is linked to colon and rectal cancer; in women, it has been linked to gallbladder, cervical, uterine, and breast cancer. This may be due to hormonal imbalances but is widely attributed to diet, lack of exercise, and lifestyle.
Sexual Practices Sexual history seems to be linked to both the prevention and promotion of certain cancers. In men, a history of venereal disease and the use of testosterone to treat impotence are both risk factors for prostate cancer. And although the subject is highly controversial, some experts say that men who have had vasectomies are also at greater risk of developing prostate cancer. In women, having intercourse before age 18 increases the risk of cervical and uterine cancer. Oral contraceptives and estrogens have been linked to both breast and uterine cancer. Childbearing reduces the risk of cancers of the ovary, uterus, and breast, while giving birth before age 30 reduces the risk of developing cancer later in life. Your risk of breast cancer can increase if your first childbirth was after age 35, or if you have had no children. Multiple sex partners, for both men and women, exposes you to greater risks of sexually transmitted diseases, which can cause cancers of the head, neck, cervix, penis, and anus, as well as AIDS and AIDS-related cancers.
Stress Stress is closely linked to many disorders, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, headaches, and many other illnesses. Although it is still unknown whether stress is related to cancer, it may play a significant role in suppressing immune function, leaving your body more vulnerable to attacks by cancerous agents.
Tobacco and Alcohol Smoking is second only to diet as the most important risk factor for cancer. In fact, smoking and dietary habits account for about two thirds of total risk for all types of cancer. Despite the ongoing claims by the tobacco industry, there is no longer any doubt that smoking is directly related to lung cancer. In the early 1900s, before smoking became widespread, lung cancer was a rare disease. In 1950, when the first report on the causal relationship between smoking and lung cancer was published, there were 1,220 lung cancer deaths in Canada. By 1985, that number had risen to 11,424. Today, although the death rate has started to decrease in men, lung cancer is rapidly overtaking breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Excess alcohol consumption is linked to cancers of the head, neck, larynx, and possibly the liver and pancreas. Alcohol consumption has a strong relationship with smoking, a combination that greatly increases your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
Viruses and Other Diseases Cancer-causing viruses are called oncogenic viruses, and act by directly sabotaging cellular function. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is common and can cause nasopharyngeal cancer and is associated with lymphomas (but more so in the Far East and in Africa). Hepatitis B virus and Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV) are both known to be cancer inducing. There is a strong relationship between the Human Immunodifficiency Virus (HIV) and the development of AIDS-related cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of skin cancer. All viruses and diseases that tend to suppress immune function, especially AIDS, can increase your risk of developing cancer.
What to Expect Cancer does not have to be a life sentence. Most cancers can be successfully treated when detected in early stages, while many people can live relatively normal lives for many years even with chronic cancers. Expectations are based not only on the type of cancer involved: identifying the rate of growth and the stage of the tumour are also crucial in defining the terms of your successful recovery.
Well-Differentiated vs. Undifferentiated It is important to determine whether a tumour is well-differentiated or undifferentiated. Well-differentiated tumours, when examined under the microscope, appear similar to normal tissue found in the area in question, while undifferentiated tumours might not resemble surrounding tissue at all. Undifferentiated tumours tend to be more aggressive in nature; they grow faster and spread more readily. Although there are some exceptions, undifferentiated tumours carry a worse prognosis than well-differentiated tumours.
The TNM System The TNM system is a widely used classification method for tumour staging. Having your cancer properly assessed will assist you and your naturopath or other health practitioner in developing a viable healing protocol. T represents the size of the tumour. T0 means the tumour was completely removed during the biopsy while T1 to T4 indicate increasingly larger sizes of tumour. N refers to the degree of spread to neighbouring lymph nodes. N0 indicates no lymph node involvement while N1 to N3 indicate progressively greater involvement. M represents the presence of metastasis. M0 indicates that there is no metastasis and M1 indicates the presence of distant metastasis. For instance, a T2N0M0 breast cancer indicates a tumour 2 to 5cm in greatest dimension with no evidence of spread to lymph nodes and no signs of metastasis. This system is not used for every type of cancer, however, such as for lymphomas. In most cases, you will more readily come across the more simplified stage markers -- stage I, II, III, and IV -- indicating progressively advancing stages of cancer. Not every type of cancer has the same criteria in each of the four stages, but most follow similar patterns. For example, stage IV, whether prostate or breast cancer, indicates the most advanced stage, which is normally marked by the presence of distant metastasis (T (any) N (any) M1).
"Survival Rate" While researching and preparing strategies for cancer recovery, you will also come across the term "survival rate". This grossly outdated prognosis tool indicates the likelihood that you will live another five years with a certain cancer at a certain stage. Localized prostate cancer, for example, has a near perfect survival rate, while other cancers that have metastasized often carry rates that are more alarming. Although survival rates may give you a general idea of the severity of your illness, they are merely wide-sweeping assessments -- they do not gauge who you are nor the strategies you plan on using to combat your disease. Furthermore, and rather ironically, the survival rate does not refer to your recovery or even health. Rather, they indicate whether you will be alive in five year's time, no matter how ill you are after those five years have elapsed (patients are not tracked after five years). You will have "survived" even if you are more ill than when you were diagnosed with the disease. Although you should not ignore survival rates, be aware of two things: First, cancer is a slowly progressing disease, often taking more than five years to reach a more advanced stage. The purpose of cancer treatment, however, is not just to ensure that you live another five years. It should be based on restoring your total health and wellness, so that you may live cancer and disease-free for decades. Second, although percentages often discourage people, people are not percentages. There is no reason why you should not recover from cancer, no matter what the survival rates indicate.
Essential Steps To Healing - Get Informed
When it comes to cancer, second, and even third opinions are vital. There are few illnesses where health care practitioners' opinions vary more -- and few illnesses that offer such a variety and diversity of options for treatment. And like any other disease, the onus is not on your health practitioner(s) to cure your illness; rather, it is your duty to seek the best help, to become informed, and to take an active role in your own healing. Talk to specialists, get up to date on the latest information, and become confident in your knowledge of your illness and how you want to approach the healing process. One of the most complete works on cancer is Choices in Healing (MIT Press, 1996), by Michael Lerner, Ph.D. The book is the culmination of ten years of research on integrating conventional and alternative therapies. The text of the book is also available online at www.commonweal.org. - Come To Terms With Your Illness
Regardless of its severity, cancer is a life altering disease. It will make you change how you think, and will alter how your body works and looks. You will most likely not be at ease with all of these changes, yet many people who develop cancer learn to acquire a deeper appreciation for life and a stronger sense of spirituality. Learning to accept your situation and dealing with your emotions will help your recovery process. Your family and friends are there to help; support groups can help you connect to other people with whom you can share similar concerns and emotions. And this will do far more than help ease your mind: a 10 year study on breast cancer patients showed that women who attended weekly group therapy sessions had twice the survival time of women who did not. This fact may seem all too astounding -- it is, of course, not the whole truth; therapy alone will not make you live longer. However, those who take part in weekly group therapy sessions are often the same people who play a greater role in their own healing, those who are more informed about their disease, and those who are making other necessary lifestyle choices to facilitate their recovery. - Diet
Diet is the single greatest risk factor in the development of cancer. It is no surprise then, that diet also plays a vital role in facilitating your recovery. Your diet will most likely change over the course of your healing. As your body changes or as you receive certain forms of cancer treatment, your dietary needs and cravings will change. Consult with your nutritionist, naturopath or other health practitioner to help you establish the dietary regime that best fits your situation. It is always best to avoid known carcinogenic agents and to consume a well balanced diet that is rich in fibre and in antioxidants. This will help cleanse your digestive system and strengthen your immune response, which are essential components of cancer prevention. Some alternative forms of cancer treatment are entirely based on such dietary changes, with the goal of strengthening your body's own natural cancer fighting capabilities. Some forms of cancer treatment, notably chemotherapy, can provoke feelings of nausea. In such cases, it may become difficult to eat and it is often suggested to consume smaller meals more often to help cope with nausea. In some cases, cancer patients are fed intravenously. Cancer can also suppress your digestive system, which can result in malabsorption. If malabsorption occurs as a result of your condition or treatment, supplementation should be discussed with your naturopath or health practitioner. For more information, see the dedicated section on Healthy Diet. - Exercise
The value of exercise cannot be overemphasized in treating any illness. Studies have shown that people who exercise after chemotherapy treatment recover more quickly than those who rest. Exercise can also help relieve stress and prevent muscular atrophy due to prolonged bed rest or hospitalization. Exercise also controls obesity, which is an important risk factor of many cancers. For more information, see the dedicated section on Exercise. - Reduce Stress
Stress has been linked to many illnesses, including cancer. Remaining calm can help you control your emotions and help you better concentrate on treatment and healing. Meditation, exercise, visualization, art, journal writing, and gardening are amongst hundreds of ways to help you relax. Individualized or group therapy are also worth exploring. For more information, see the dedicated section on Stress.
Remedies -- Conventional Therapies More and more, health care practitioners and well-informed people are realizing that treating cancer needs to be more than just about killing cells. Healing approaches must, above all, foster wellness by supporting your body's defense mechanisms against your disease, while promoting overall health. Why is overall health the key to cancer therapy? Simply put, by the time a cancer is symptomatic and detected, it has likely spread. The growth is an attack on your whole body and requires your whole body to fight back. Conventional treatments -- whether surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy -- are very useful but do not expose the sources that cause cancer. To deal with those sources you must address necessary lifestyle changes -- changes that not only help your body rid itself of disease, but fundamental changes that help prevent cancer from occurring in the first place.
Surgery Surgery is often a vital tool in cancer treatment and can be employed for a variety of reasons: - Prevention: Some benign tumours have the tendency to become malignant and can be removed to lower your chances of developing cancer. In women who are at high risk of breast cancer, sometimes a prophylactic mastectomy is performed (removal of the breast) to prevent the disease from occurring.
- Diagnosis: A portion of the tumour can be removed to be used for analysis. This provides a very accurate assessment of the presence of cancer, while other, more elaborate operations are used to gauge the degree of spread to other parts of your body (such as removing samples from lymph nodes).
- Removal: Removing the cancerous tumour can provide a cure for certain types of cancer, especially if they are localized. The affected area, along with surrounding margins, are all removed in the attempt to rid your body of all the cancer. This is a major operation, but under the right circumstances, can generate the quickest and best results. In some cases, this type of surgery is necessary if the tumour size is impeding or blocking bodily function, or if it is causing some other type of structural damage or physical pain. Surgery can also be used to remove metastases from regions other than the primary tumour site.
- To Support Other Therapies: Surgery can be used to administer drugs intravenously, facilitating chemotherapy. For radiation therapy, surgery can be used to better target tumour sites.
Constraints Surgery is a very invasive process. And like any type of surgery, you must consider the operative risks, which depend on the type of surgery being performed. These risks, whether considering the immediate or long-term complications, are negligible when greatly outweighed by your risk of not having surgery. As well, surgery is not always the most appropriate treatment. Cancers can be inoperable if located in or around certain organs, while cancers that have spread to a considerable extent are not always helped by surgery. The condition of the patient is also a strong factor in the decision to operate.
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is a widely misunderstood and increasingly controversial form of cancer treatment. It has shown to be very effective in the treatment of some forms of cancer, while some experts believe that chemotherapy is more harmful than beneficial. Chemotherapy simply refers to the use of drugs, or chemotherapeutic agents, to help fight off illness. Taking aspirin to ease headache pain is also chemotherapy. For cancer treatment, however, the drugs used are more aggressive and toxic and can lead to immediate and long-term side-effects far greater than those attributed to aspirin (though not all chemotherapy patients experience the side-effects associated to chemotherapy). Chemotherapeutic agents can be broadly divided into two major categories: those which are cell cycle specific, impeding the tumour's cell division, and those drugs that directly attack cancerous cells. The type of chemotherapy used depends on the type of cancer involved and on the stage of the disease. The therapy can be administered by several means: - Intravenously (IV)
- By means of a catheter (a thin tube that is placed into a large vein)
- Orally: pill, capsule, or liquid form
- Into a muscle (intramuscularly), under the skin, or directly into the cancerous area
- Topically (medication applied onto the skin)
Your age and physical condition also play important roles: a physically fit 40 year-old may be a better candidate for more aggressive chemotherapy, as s/he will probably better tolerate complications. A variety of drugs are available and are often used in combination, as cancers can build up resistance to specific drugs (or even a combination of drugs) after a cycle of treatments. Ironically, it is not the tumour that learns to resist the drugs but rather the drugs themselves, mutagenic in nature, that genetically alter tumour cells and protect them from further damage. This is one of the dangers of chemotherapeutic drugs -- they too are carcinogenic agents and can damage normal tissue, possibly causing other cancers. Other common side effects and complications of chemotherapy include: - Anemia
- Blood Clotting Problems
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Effects on Skin and Nails
- Fatigue
- Fluid Retention
- Flu-Like Syndrome
- Hair Loss
- Infection
- Kidney and Bladder Effects
- Mouth, Gum, and Throat Problems
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Nerve and Muscle Effects
- Sexual Effects: Physical and Psychological
Radiation Therapy Radiation is sometimes recommended as the primary treatment but is often used alongside chemotherapy and/or surgery. At one time, cancer treatment consisted of just chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Advancing knowledge of cancer treatment now suggests that when used in combination, better results can be achieved. Also called radiotherapy, the goal of radiation therapy is to administer high-energy x-rays, electron beams, or radioactive isotopes to kill cancer cells without exceeding safe doses to normal, surrounding tissue. The therapy can be applied externally with a radiation beam directed at the tumour through a machine, or internally, by injection or intravenously. Radiation usually consists of treatments given five times a week, for a period of 1 week to about 8 weeks. Treatments are often performed in several stages to allow damaged normal tissue time to heal. Calculating the dose of radiation can be complex, and involves the tumour size, location, and stage of the disease. For instance, the liver will tolerate a greater dose of radiation than your lungs or kidneys. Not everyone treated with radiation experiences side effects. Many people go through treatment feeling no adverse side effects. Common side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue, malaise, localized skin reactions, and heartburn type symptoms. Most side effects of radiation therapy occur as a result of treatment to the abdomen. In such cases, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea can occur. Hair loss is only attributed to the area of the body being treated with radiation. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are not the only conventional therapies available. Other treatments such as laser therapy or transplantation are amongst other available options commonly used. Prescribing the most effective course of treatment depends on each individual case. Be careful though. Conventional treatments tend to be very invasive and should only be used if they are likely to assist your recovery process.
Remedies -- Alternative Therapies A growing number of alternative therapies are available that cover a wide range of treatment approaches. However, common themes are present. Unlike conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation, alternative therapies tend to be more holistic in nature, focusing on repairing the immune dysfunctions and imbalances that allow cancers to grow. In other words, alternative therapies (if it is possible to generalize) try to eliminate the underlying problem rather than simply attacking the tumour. Alternative therapies can be broadly listed into the following categories, which often overlap: Biologic therapies use substances derived from natural sources to treat cancer. Immunotherapies work by boosting the immune system -- your body's natural defense against tumour growth. Vaccines, diet, and supplementation are all forms of immunotherapy. Mind-Body therapies focus on the emotional and spiritual enhancements that help people recover from illness. Some of these therapies are designed to help you cope with the healing process while others are aimed to actually change the course of the disease. This category might include prayer, meditation, hypnosis, visualization techniques, spiritual retreats, or something as simple as trying to relax. Nutritional therapies have become increasingly popular as more and more evidence is uncovering the link between poor dietary habits and certain cancers. The noninvasive nature and whole-body approach of some alternative therapies may, in some cases, be more desirable than conventional treatment. You do not have to choose one path or another: many people use alternative therapies in conjunction with more conventional approaches. For example, herbal treatments are often used to compliment chemotherapy. This is done not only to help strengthen your body's defense mechanisms against the disease, but also to help prevent the side-effects associated with chemotherapy. Furthermore, treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy are not always effective for cancer treatment. In fact, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have poor track records in the treatment of certain forms of cancer. Before choosing a therapy, whether conventional or alternative, it is important to do as much background research as possible, to ask for supportive studies and documented cases, and to talk to people who have undergone the treatment in question. This becomes much more important when researching some alternative therapies. Despite their effectiveness, they might be relatively unknown or not well documented; such cases require a great deal more research and skepticism on your behalf. Richard Walters' Opinions: The Alternative Cancer Therapy Book (Avery Publishing Group, 1993) can help you evaluate and compare various alternative therapies.
Amino Acids Some studies suggest that arginine may display anti-tumour activity, due to its role in activating certain components of the immune system. L-arginine is found in brown rice, carob, coconut, dairy products, gelatin, meat, oatmeal, oats, nuts, raisins, sesame seeds, soy, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, whole wheat, and all protein-rich foods. L-arginine is available as part of a multi-amino acid complex and in protein powder supplements. Depending on the country in which you live, arginine may also be available as an isolated supplement in capsule or tablet form. You may require a prescription. NOTE: Supplementation should be avoided in pregnant or lactating women. Glutathione, or GSH, is a powerful antioxidant produced by the liver that protects against free radical damage and detoxifies harmful compounds. GSH is available as part of a multi-amino acid complex and can also be found in isolated form. Supplementation with NAC may reduce toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Doses of up to 10g daily are generally considered safe, although higher doses may cause nausea or vomiting. Topical applications of NAC (as an ointment) may also reduce some of the adverse affects of radiation therapy such as skin reactions, hair loss, and may protect the mucous membranes of the eyes.
Antioxidants Antioxidants are essential to help deal with free radical damage caused by toxins and chemical exposure. Supplementation, therefore, is essential. Antioxidants can be used in combination for greater effect. Alpha-lipoic acid is known as the "antioxidant's antioxidant" or the "universal antioxidant". In addition to being a powerful coenzyme, this antioxidant enhances the effectiveness of several antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10. Alpha-Lipoic acid regenerates and recycles these antioxidants so they continuously neutralize free radical damage in the body. Take 60 to 100mg daily. Grape seed extract is a nutrient primarily derived from the seeds of grapes but is also found in the skin and stems. It has powerful antioxidant properties and has protective compounds known as flavonoids. These include oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), anthocyananins, quercetin, catechin, ellagic acid and reveratrol, which is also found in red wine. If supplementing, take 25 to 100mg daily, in divided doses. The beneficial compounds are also found in red wine, purple grape juice, and red grapes. Green tea can be taken daily to help cleanse toxins from the body. Place 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves in one cup hot (not boiling) water and steep for 3 to 4 minutes. The longer the infusion, the more bitter green tea becomes. Boiling water destroys some of the beneficial elements of green tea. Allow the water to stop boiling before adding the leaves. Use a ceramic, glass, or earthenware mug. Drink 1 to 2 cups daily Pycnogenol is extracted from the bark of French maritime pine trees grown in the south of France. The resulting extract contains approximately forty antioxidants and a number of flavonoid compounds, making pycnogenol one of the most potent antioxidant preparations currently available. One particular flavonoid of note is OPC, which may be as much as fifty times more potent than vitamin E and twenty times more potent than vitamin C in terms of its bioavailable antioxidant ability. OPCs are also found in grape seed extract (see above). Pycnogenol is exceptionally bioavailable and absorbed in the body. Take 25 to 100mg daily, in divided doses. NOTE: Some people may experience allergic reactions to pine bark extract. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of supplementation with this antioxidant. See also selenium under Minerals and vitamins Co-Q10, C, and E under Vitamins, below. For more information, see the dedicated section on Antioxidants.
Foods Almonds contain laetrile, which has anti-cancer properties. Eat 10 raw and confirmed unpasteurized almonds daily.
Food Supplements Essential fatty acid supplementation has proven useful when dealing with breast tumours. Flaxseed / linseed oil, borage oil, pumpkin seed oil, hemp seed oil, evening primrose oil, fish, eggs, and walnuts are all sources of EFA's. The oils may be the most ideal. Take four tablespoons daily on yogurt, rice and/or bean dishes, salads, and vegetables. Do not cook with these oils. Heat denatures these oils and they lose their nutritional value. Be sure to keep oils refrigerated as they will go rancid if not kept cool. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 6 to 10 capsules daily, in divided doses, before meals. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1,000mg 3 times daily, before meals.
Herbs Astragalus is known to boost immunity and fight cancer. An alkaloid extracted from Astragalus oxyphysys called swainsonine has been shown to inhibit the metastasis of melanoma both in vitro and in vivo. It seems to do so by enhancing natural killer cell function. Astragalus can also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and can act as a protective factor against the side-effects of chemotherapy. To prepare a decoction, add 3 teaspoons to 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Strain and divide into 3 doses for the day. If supplementing, take 6g three times daily. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 30 drops three times daily. Cat's claw is considered the most important botanical in the rainforest and this especially healing plant is becoming quite popular North America and Europe as a treatment for cancer. The Urarina tribesman of Peru tell stories of its use in curing tumours. Studies into this plant suggest that its powerful immune-boosting properties help normalize immunoglobulins (antibodies) by activating the T-lymphocytes and macrophages. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner as to the appropriateness of this herb for your needs. Garlic is known to have anti-tumour promoting activity. Several ingredients of garlic are responsible for this action, in addition to allicin. Studies show that garlic and onion consumption is correlated with a decrease in cancer death rate. Garlic can stimulate growth and proliferation of some beneficial cells in the body used to fight cancer. In vitro studies of melanoma cells show that garlic inhibits cancer cell growth by more than 50%. Aged garlic extract has also demonstrated protective action against radiation damage. Eat 2 to 4 cloves daily. If supplementing, take 600 to 1,200mg once or twice daily Ginger can be taken to relieve nausea associated with chemotherapy and nausea in general. To prepare a decoction, add 3 to 4 teaspoons fresh or dried root to 4 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes. Take 3 times daily or whenever needed. If supplementing, take 2 500mg capsules, 30 minutes before travelling. Take an additional 1 or 2 capsules when symptoms occur. To prepare an infusion, add 2 teaspoons grated, fresh, ginger to one cup of hot water. Take as often as needed. If using in tincture form, take 30 to 60 drops, 3 times daily. Ginseng is found to have many anti-cancer properties. A study of panax ginseng demonstrated its ability to promote differentiation of cancer cells -- to return the aberrant cells back to normal function and appearance. Siberian ginseng can boost immunity and improve resistance to negative effects of both radiation and chemotherapy. It also seems to be non-toxic, and thus, can be used long-term through intensive cancer treatment. Avoid if lactating or pregnant. Licorice root is a very good liver botanical and promotes the elimination of toxins from the body. It works as well as milk thistle (see below) in protecting and repairing the liver and both herbs often have improved results when used together. Licorice tea is rather sweet tasting. Gently boil 1/2 tsp. powdered root with 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups daily. Milk thistle promotes liver function and helps cleanse the body of toxins. It is most effective if taken at night and works very well if taken with licorice root (see above). Take 2 tablespoons ground powder daily, sprinkled on food. If using capsules, take 280 to 420mg daily. Look for supplements containing silymarin, considered the active ingredient. Milk thistle takes time to act and, being nontoxic, is safe to use over the long-term. Maitake and shiitake mushrooms are well known to have immunostimulant properties that inhibit tumour growth. Shiitake mushrooms also reverse T cell suppression cause by tumours. To prepare an infusion, bring to a boil 1 ounce/28g mushroom and 1 pint/473mL water. Boil for 20 to 30 minutes or until one third of the water is gone. Cool, strain, and divide into 3 doses for the day. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 40 drops tincture 3 times daily. European mistletoe extract has been used to treat cancer. It has been used in Europe and administered as subcutaneous injections over the course of many months to years. The preparation has been shown to stimulate the immune system, reduce tumour size, and kill cancer cells. It also improves the quality of life and survival. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner regarding this particular treatment. Pau d'arco is beneficial for use against cancer. Bring three teaspoons of herb and four and a half cups water to a boil. Simmer for 45 minutes, cool, strain, and divide into three doses for the day. If using a tincture, take 20 to 30 drops three times daily. The following herbs are also known to fight tumours directly, by either preventing them or by killing tumour cells. Some are reported to prevent the spread of malignancy. These include:
Bayberry | Celandine | Cleavers | Comfrey | Condurango | Dandelion | Echinacea | Mistletoe | Myrrh | Periwinkle | Plantain | Poke Root | Queen's Delight | Red Clover | Thuja | Wild Violet | Yellow Dock | |
Matching the needs of the individual with the right combination of herbs will require the expertise of your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner. As cancer is an attack on the whole body, encompassing many systems, few health practitioners will advise a single herb as part of your cancer treatment. However, there have been many successful uses of herbs in the treatment of cancer. One example is Hoxley's formula, which has helped many people inflicted with cancer. It consists of licorice, poke root, Oregon grape root, cascara, sarsaparilla, prickly ash bark, burdock root, red clover flowers, buckthorn bark, chaparral, and kelp. See your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner for more information.
Lifestyle Avoid all junk foods, processed refined foods, saturated fats, hydrogenated oils, salt, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. These foods cause an unnecessary strain on your body. In addition, avoid peanuts (even organic varieties) as all peanuts carry a mould that produces alphatoxin -- a potent cancer-causing chemical. It is important to maintain a positive attitude. You are not alone. Join a support group and do things that will help keep your spirits up. Numerous studies have shown that a positive outlook can greatly improve the prognosis of many illnesses. Decrease your stress levels. Exercise, take yoga classes or get a massage. Whatever does it for you. High levels of stress have been implicated as a contributing factor to many ailments, including cancer. Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. A high fat diet can increase your risk of developing cancer, particularly if you are post-menopausal. Increase the amount of fibre in your diet. A high fibre diet has been shown to help in the elimination of carcinogens and excess estrogen from the body. Use only glass and ceramic cookware and wooden cooking utensils when preparing foods. Plastics have been found to leech chemicals into food when heated. Avoid iron supplementation, as your body naturally withholds iron from cancer cells to inhibit growth.
Minerals Selenium is a powerful antioxidant. One Brazil nut contains enough selenium to satisfy your daily requirement. However, you may wish to have a few more. If supplementing, take 100 to 200mcg twice daily.
Miscellaneous Reduce pesticide exposure. A number of theories hold that increased toxin exposure leads to increased susceptibility to cancer, due to free radical damage, progressive cell death, and various other degenerative effects. Avoid and eliminate all sources of toxic chemical exposure to prevent additional free radical damage in the body. Common household cleaners containing poison symbols should be eliminated. If you cannot drink it, why would you expose yourself to it? Long term toxic exposure is a silent and potentially deadly threat. And viable alternatives are readily available. Natural alternatives are available in health food stores, while vinegar or baking soda and water clean just about anything. Companies such as Nature Clean, Simply Clean, and Ecover sell viable alternatives that work just as well, if not better, than their toxin equivalents. Do not spray your lawn with toxic chemicals. Lawn spraying is an acutely North American habit whose consequences are far greater than the trivial, aesthetic gains. Think about it. You are poisoning your lawn, pets, children, and yourself to satisfy a social norm. Again, follow the above rule of if you cannot drink, why would you exposure yourself to it? Instead, welcome the diversity of life a natural lawn brings. Your children will be able to enjoy the outdoors while playing on the grass. You could even tear up the lawn and plant a natural garden with native plant species. This is a welcome trend in humanizing our urban areas. Butterflies, birds and beautiful planted bulbs make for a welcome replacement to a toxic expanse of empty space... Headaches are a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. See the dedicated section on Headache for appropriate remedies.
Therapies, Healing Aids, and More Coffee enemas should be taken daily to help eliminate toxins from the body. Cleansing enemas, such as water, lemon, or garlic, should be used 2 to 3 times per week. A healthy, organic, diet is essential as it will provide your body with the nutrients needed to function properly. Eat ample servings of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and pure water. A vegetarian diet has also been shown to do much of the same, probably because it generally contains lower fat content, is high in fibre, and is high in carotenoids and other nutrients. Exercise regularly to boost mood levels, stave off depression, promote tissue oxygenation, and help relieve stress. Support from family and friends is very important. You may also wish to join a discussion group or other community group to share your experience and strategies. This form of community and connection allows you to share your thoughts and feelings with others, as opposed to internalizing what you experience.
Vitamins Coenzyme Q10 has antioxidant properties, increases tissue oxygenation, and is known to stimulate the immune system. Deficiencies have been associated with the development of cancer. At lower doses, coenzyme Q10 can help patients experience less pain and weight-loss, a decrease in metastasis, and an increase in appetite. At higher doses it may promote tumour remission. Coenzyme Q10 is found in broccoli, meats, peanuts (not a recommended source), salmon sardines, and spinach. If supplementing, take 50 to 300mg daily, in divided doses. Studies point to a link between vitamin A deficiency and cancer. It is unclear whether the deficiency promotes cancer, or if the cancer causes the deficiency. Regardless, vitamin A supplementation is beneficial. It has been shown to inhibit tumour initiation and promotion and is a powerful antioxidant. It also enhances the effect of chemotherapy while protecting from the side-effects of radiation therapy. If using vitamin A for the latter reason, take 50,000 IU per day in divided doses a few days before and during treatment. In general, it is a good idea to increase you intake of beta-carotene- and vitamin A-rich foods. Vitamin E also has antioxidant properties and should also be taken in higher doses. Take 400 to 800 IU daily. Vitamin B Complex is necessary for normal cell division and will help facilitate normal digestion. Take one 50mg capsule once or twice daily. Do not take more than 50mg at one time as your body cannot absorb a larger amount in a single dosage Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and supports the immune system. Take 3,000 to 6,000mg daily, in divided doses. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance. Folic acid helps increase the production of white blood cells that are necessary to fight against cancer cells. Take 400mcg daily. In vitro studies suggest that vitamin K is effective in inhibiting tumour colony formation of melanoma cells. Vitamin K has also been shown to enhance the effects of some forms of chemotherapy. Ideal sources of vitamin K include asparagus, avocados, beef, broccoli, cabbage, dark green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, green tea, nuts, oatmeal, rye, seeds, soybeans, turnip greens, wheat, and wheat germ oil. Vitamin K is also found in kelp and alfalfa supplements and is available in some multi-vitamin/mineral preparations. If directly supplementing, take 100 to 300mcg daily in divided doses.
Actions and Remedy Listings
For More Information ... Canadian Cancer Society (CCS)
Ontario Division
1639 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
M4T 2W6 Tel.: 416.488.5400
Fax: 416.488.2872 Bilingual Toll-free: 1.888.939.3333
See your phone book under Canadian Cancer Society for your local contact. Web: www.cancer.ca
Email: ccs@cancer.ca Cancer Care Ontario (CCO)
620 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2L7 Tel.: 416.971.9800
Fax: 416.971.6888 Web: www.cancercare.on.ca National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC)
10 Alcorn Avenue, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 3B1 Tel.: 416.961.7223
Fax: 416.961.4189 Email: ncic@cancer.ca A Guide to Unconventional Cancer Therapies www.infonet.st-johns.nf.ca/bcinfo/uct.html
See also Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Skin Cancer
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