Cancer treatments beyond conventional methods: Could they potentially exacerbate complications?
The Skinny on Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer Patients
The world of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is vast, and for those battling cancer, the allure of finding a cure or easing symptoms is strong. However, tread carefully, as these practices can potentially interfere with conventional cancer treatment.
More than one-third of people living with cancer are using CAM therapies, with herbal supplements leading the charge. Popular alternatives also include chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation.
The concern arises when patients fail to inform their physicians about their choice to partake in complementary therapies. In a study led by Dr. Nina Sanford from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, it was found that approximately 29% of those who use CAM don't share this information with their doctors.
But is this lack of communication warranted? Not according to Dr. Sanford. "You don't know what's in [the herbal supplements]," she explains. "Unless we know what's in them, I would recommend patients avoid using them during radiation because [certain supplements] could interfere with treatment."
Herbal supplements pose a particular danger due to their unregulated nature and the mixture of substances they often contain. The issue of interaction with conventional treatments is also a cause for concern. Take radiation, for example, for which there is concern that high levels of antioxidants could make the therapy less effective.
However, all is not lost. Yoga and meditation, for instance, have shown promise in aiding cancer patients by reducing fatigue and improving overall well-being. "A common side effect of radiation is fatigue," says Dr. Sanford. "I let the patients know that the patients who feel the most fatigue are the ones who are the most sedentary, and that those who are doing exercise are the ones who frequently have the most energy."
One patient, Belindy Sarembock, shares her positive experience with yoga, which she says helped relieve the neuropathy caused by her chemotherapy treatments nearly immediately.
Like anything, striking a balance is key, and discussing CAM use with your oncology care team is essential to ensure safe, coordinated, and evidence-based integrative cancer care. After all, your healthcare team wants you to feel your best - just make sure you keep them in the loop.
- In addition to conventional cancer treatment methods, yoga and meditation, which are part of the health-and-wellness domain, can potentially aid cancer patients in reducing fatigue and improving overall well-being.
- While herbal supplements are commonly used by cancer patients as a form of complementary therapy, their unregulated nature and mixture of substances can potentially interfere with medical-conditions like cancer, especially during radiation treatment.
- Science suggests that certain medical-conditions, such as cancer, can benefit from patientcare that includes the integration of complementary therapies like yoga and meditation, while being mindful of potential interactions with conventional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, and ensuring open communication with healthcare providers.
