Conventional cum alternative medicine treatment for cancer

My late wife is a cancer victim and I am a widower because of that. Hers was only diagnosed as such when she had bone ache. By then, I think it was already very advanced and the first doctor who treated her I think treated her on the basis of some kind of Hospice care, meaning he did not expect much hope. They didn't even know what kind of cancer it was until another hospital in another country diagnosed it as breast cancer. But it was a very rare form of breast cancer as the tumor was so tiny that it was practically unnoticeable, even at that late stage. I can still remember the confusion that reigned in our family, not knowing what to do.

Because of some Facebook event where we were supposed to submit some photos of a candlelight vigil for some cause and which had a dateline, the photo I wanted to submit was too late to be included in that Facebook event. Instead of letting the photo go to waste, I started Digital Candlelight Vigil and invited others to join in. A very good online friend from Sunshine Coast, Australia submitted a digital photo for a candlelight vigil for cancer victim and that was uploaded to Candlelight Vigil for cancer victims. That touched my heart as my late wife too was a cancer victim. So I rounded up my family and added ours. I found out later that his late wife too was a cancer victim. He says cancer seems to be everywhere. It must be our environment, our food. There must be too many carcinogenic substances floating around now what with the thousands of synthetic chemicals churned out by our "modern" society, with many of them untested and whose long term effects are unknown.

Having gone through that harrowing experience, any centers that claims to have concrete plans on how to deal with cancer is highly welcomed, and one of them is the Alternative Cancer Center for I vividly remember the sense of helplessness and hopelessness when my late wife was sick and had to undergo traditional treatment including chemotherapy which uses toxic chemicals and caused her to go bald, plus radiotherapy or radiation therapy using ionizing radiation, including X-ray. Those were very drastic treatments.

Alternative Cancer Treatment Center claims to have a treatment plan to merge traditional treatment with alternative cancer treatments. Where warranted, they use a lower dose of chemotherapy or Metronomic which they say may work as well or better than traditional higher doses of chemotherapy. New Hope Medical Center also claims to be able to deliver a precise dosage of radiation using equipment which I think they call TomoTherapy. According to the website of the manufacturer of TomoTherapy, their treatment system integrates optimized planning, image-guidance and helical delivery to provide precise, continuous radiation therapy from all angles around the patient and which New Hope Medical Center says will deliver a dose of radiation to a targeted area and limit unnecessary harmful radiation to nearby normal cells using image-guidance. New Hope Medical Center also claims to use leading radiologists who provide great care in radiation procedure.

Note that New Hope Cancer Treatment Centers, Inc. do not make any implicit or explicit claims on curing cancer, but says their objective is to use and increase the body's own immune system to repair and defend itself. My late wife is a cancer victim and I am a widower because of that. Hers was only diagnosed as such when she had bone ache. By then, I think it was already very advanced and the first doctor who treated her I think treated her on the basis of some kind of Hospice care, meaning he did not expect much hope. They didn't even know what kind of cancer it was until another hospital in another country diagnosed it as breast cancer. But it was a very rare form of breast cancer as the tumor was so tiny that it was practically unnoticeable, even at that late stage. I can still remember the confusion that reigned in our family, not knowing what to do.

Because of some Facebook event where we were supposed to submit some photos of a candlelight vigil for some cause and which had a dateline, the photo I wanted to submit was too late to be included in that Facebook event. Instead of letting the photo go to waste, I started Digital Candlelight Vigil and invited others to join in. A very good online friend from Sunshine Coast, Australia submitted a digital photo for a candlelight vigil for cancer victim and that was uploaded to Candlelight Vigil for cancer victims. That touched my heart as my late wife too was a cancer victim. So I rounded up my family and added ours. I found out later that his late wife too was a cancer victim. He says cancer seems to be everywhere. It must be our environment, our food. There must be too many carcinogenic substances floating around now what with the thousands of synthetic chemicals churned out by our "modern" society, with many of them untested and whose long term effects are unknown.

Having gone through that harrowing experience, any centers that claims to have concrete plans on how to deal with cancer is highly welcomed, and one of them is the Alternative Cancer Center for I vividly remember the sense of helplessness and hopelessness when my late wife was sick and had to undergo traditional treatment including chemotherapy which uses toxic chemicals and caused her to go bald, plus radiotherapy or radiation therapy using ionizing radiation, including X-ray. Those were very drastic treatments.

Alternative Cancer Treatment Center claims to have a treatment plan to merge traditional treatment with alternative cancer treatments. Where warranted, they use a lower dose of chemotherapy or Metronomic which they say may work as well or better than traditional higher doses of chemotherapy. New Hope Medical Center also claims to be able to deliver a precise dosage of radiation which I think they call TomoTherapy. According to the website of the manufacturer of TomoTherapy, their treatment system integrates optimized planning, image-guidance and helical delivery to provide precise, continuous radiation therapy from all angles around the patient and which New Hope Medical Center says will deliver a dose of radiation to a targeted area and limit unnecessary harmful radiation to nearby normal cells using image-guidance. New Hope Medical Center also claims to use leading radiologists who provide great care in radiation procedure.

Note that New Hope Cancer Treatment Centers, Inc. do not make any implicit or explicit claims on curing cancer, but says their objective is to use and increase the body's own immune system to repair and defend itself.

DCA (Dichlorocacetic acid), a cure for cancer?

AFP reports cancer victims scrambling for a chemical DCA (Dichlorocacetic acid) which researchers at the University of Alberta, Canada, has tested on lab-dish cancer cells and on rats with human tumours. The cancers shrank dramatically. It is suspected that the chemical work by reviving a previously blocked metabolic pathway that prompts a flawed cell to commit suicide (for more details, see below). This was in January. Clinical trials for treating cancers have not been conducted yet, so doctors cannot prescribe the chemical for patients. However DCA has been used before for other disorder and have undergone clinical trials, and safe doses for those disorder at least have undergone clinical trials. Many cancer victims cannot wait for clinical trials for their cancers and are scrambling to buy DCA under the counter.

DCA is a cheap, simple and unpatented chemical. DCA is an acid and is corrosive and thus cannot be taken alone, but must be buffered for human use.

What is DCA and how does it work?

As explained above, DCA is a simple chemical, Dichloroacetic acid. Cells, normal as well as cancer cells, need energy to survive. Energy in normal cells is generated via a process call Krebs cycle which takes place in tiny structures within the cells known as mitochondria. Cancer cells bypass this cycle and produce energy using a simpler process, glycolysis, which take place in the cell's cytoplasm outside the mitochondria.

Mitochondria have 2 crucial role in normal cells - generate energy for the cell plus triggering cell death if it is faulty. This is the process that stop cancers from forming in the first place. But cancer cells seem "turn off" their mitochondria as they generate the energy in th cytoplasma, and scientists believe this is why cancer cells, which is fauty, can evade death and remain "immortal".

Mitochondria play a crucial role in cells. As well as generating energy for the cell, they can also trigger the cell to die if it is faulty – a process that helps stop cancers from forming in the first place. Because cancer cells seem to "turn off" their mitochondria, scientists think this is one way in which cancer cells are able to evade death and remain "immortal".

Researchers at the University of Alberta in January found that adding DCA to cancer cells in lab kick-starts the Krebs cycle, turning the mitochondria back on again. This cause the cancer cell to stop multiplying and die. Not only that, they found that DCA does not affect healthy cells as their mitochondria is functioning normally. Because DCA does not affect normal cells, it looks promising as a safe treatment for cancer victims.

However, cancer victims are urged to exercise caution as DCA is not a completely safe and "non-toxic" chemical.

Herbal And Alternative Treatments For Breast Cancer

Herbal And Alternative Treatments For Breast Cancer
by: Mary Hanna

Herbal remedies have been around for for thousands of years. Now, women with breast cancer facing chemotherapy and radiation are supplementing this traditional medicine with herbal remedies and alternative treatments. They are not abandoning the usual breast cancer treatment; they are using herbal remedies and alternative treatments to curb the side effects.

Ginseng has been used by the Chinese for centuries. They believe that it stimulates the immune system and energies the patient. There are more than 30 active compounds in the ginseng root. Many of the compounds are believed to have anti-tumor properties. In a Chinese study it was found that women who took ginseng before their diagnosis had a higher survival rate than the women who took ginseng after their diagnosis. Women have reported that they have a higher quality of life and suffer less depression while using ginseng.

There is a mushroom, the Maitake that helps in boosting the immune system. Here again, in the East this has been used widely. Lab studies have been done using liquid Maitake extract. Many researchers believe that the mushrooms contain beta-glucans which helps to enhance the immune system. They still don't know why, but they are working on it.

Mistletoe extract has been used in Europe to treat cancer patients for over 80 years. It has been shown to kill cancer cells and boost the immune system. There have been very few studies done here on mistletoe, but some research is under way and will be out at the end of this year. Researchers are studying the safety, the effects on the immune system and its toxicity.

Acupuncture is especially helpful for nausea and post surgical pain. Many studies done by research oncologists have shown that acupuncture was better for women with breast cancer than the medication taken to fight nausea. It also helps in loss of appetite, fatigue and sleep disorders. The AAMA recommends women with breast cancer should get acupuncture during their chemotherapy treatments but only after you have spoken to your primary doctor.

All doctors and researchers stress that diet and exercise play a key role in treating cancer. Stick to a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and grains. The National Cancer Institute recommends at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day. Phytochemicals are found in fruits and vegetables and they prevent cancers in a number of ways. Research shows that they help in detoxification of carcinogens, DNA repair, boosting of the immune system and maintenance of cellular control mechanisms. Obesity plays a role in getting cancer. Change your diet, eat healthy and go for a walk or ride a bike. This is a suggestion we should all take to heart.

These alternative methods may well help you through your breast cancer treatment and perhaps even get you a speedier recovery. New studies are being done everyday for women with breast cancer. Discuss these alternative therapies with your Doctor and always let your physician and your oncologist know about any therapies you want to take, before you take them. This will make sure that the alternative therapy won't interfere with your chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor am I in the medical field. This is just information that I researched out of curiosity and the desire to know all of the options available.

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

About The Author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at Cruise Travel Directory, Container Gardening Secrets, and Gardening Herb.

Green Tea: Help Or Hype?

Green Tea: Help Or Hype?
by: Laura Turner

There’s been lots of health-hype lately surrounding the benefits of green tea. I’m certain you’ve heard it, too. Have you ever wondered: “Is it really worth my while to drink tea of the green variety?” Stick around and decide for yourself.

First: The Claims:

A rich source of anti-oxidants:

What are anti-oxidants? Anti-oxidants neutralize “free radicals” or unstable molecules in the body that can eventually become unfriendly and wreak havoc on the cells. Free radical damage can cause everything from sun damage to hardening of the arteries. Green tea will help you bulk up on the anti-oxidant warriors that help to both lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease by controlling blood pressure.

Cancer prevention:

Green tea has been shown to lower rates of cancer in Asian populations. The cancers studied and which have been recorded include: bladder, colon, esophagus, pancreas, rectal and stomach. New evidence suggests green tea may also help prevent prostate cancer, as well.

Help with arthritis

Studies also suggest there is possible anti-inflammatory and arthritis preventing effects in green tea although, I’ll admit, solid scientific evidence was difficult to come by. By simple suggestion, I’ll give green tea an A for effort in the arthritis category.

Liver protection:

Green tea has been proven to protect liver cells by stimulating the immune system. Green tea protects the liver by warding off toxins such as alcohol and cigarette smoke.

Teeth protection:

Green tea has been thought to promote oral health (although scientific proof was difficult to come by here, too). Green tea is supposed to work against bacteria, protecting teeth from cavities.

Weight loss:

Here’s another benefit that will raise many an eyebrow. Several sources I found claimed that green tea may actually help to stimulate weight loss. Yes! Green tea contains polyphenols (molecule compounds) that actually help the body to burn weight and regulate both blood sugar and insulin levels.

The Bad News

What’s the bad news?

The only negative side effect I’ve found is the simple recorded cases of insomnia due to naturally occurring caffeine in green tea. It looks like there’s only 30-60mg in 6-8 ounces of tea, however. That's less than half the caffeine content of coffee which weighs in at 90 mg. per 8 ounce cup.

Other FAQ’s About Green Tea:

How much green tea is enough to reap the benefits?

No one seems to be too sure about the answer to this question, either. Let's be realistic – most people could easily drink 3-4 cups of green tea daily. This is a good round number and one that I came up with based on its frequency in the research studied. A suggestion: why not try replacing your usual cup of coffee with a clean dose of health?

Where to get a good cup of tea?

Check out your local grocery for my favorite: Lipton. There's plenty of others, but I like the way Lipton aims to zip up green tea with variety. They even have a orange, passionfruit & jasmine flavor that's de-lish!

If drinking tea really isn’t your thing, but you still want the benefits – no problem! Green tea is now available in capsule form, too. This could be as close as your local pharmacy. Check around.

In summation:

In this scientist’s opinion, green tea is well worth your consideration. The simple speculation of benefits is enough to get excited about it. It’s easy to digest, tastes good and, hey, if it helps me with my goal of wellness and illness prevention, I’ll take ample tea time, any day!

Research for this article has been created through careful consideration of research and articles appearing on WebMD and though several working texts which include:

Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing. New York: Penguin Putnam, 2004.

Mabey, Richard. The New Age Herbalist. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1988.

Mindell, Earl, R.Ph., Ph.D. Herb Bible. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1992.

Tierra, Michael L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1998.

About The Author

Laura Turner is a natural health practitioner and author. She hosts http://www.beauty-and-body.com and publishes the bi-weekly New Body News and Wellness Letter, The Online Magazine Healthy People Read. (New Body News ) Subscribe for f.r.e.e. and receive her Special Report: "Take Charge of Your Health!"

Lung Cancer: The Importance Of Early Detection

Lung Cancer: The Importance Of Early Detection

By: Jared Lewis

Cancer is a serious health problem in America, all around the world for that matter. Each year, a large number of individuals die due to some type of cancer. Common types of cancer include skin cancer, breast cancer, as well as lung cancer. With all types of cancer, early detection is important; however, it is particularly important with lung cancer.

Lung cancer, as mentioned above, is considered one of the most common cancers in the United States. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of men and women die from lung cancer, each year. While lung cancer is a serious health issue, it is one that doesn’t always have to result in death, at least right away. That is why the early detection of lung cancer is extremely important. In addition to being important, the early detection of lung cancer can literally be lifesaving.

Lung cancer is defined as a cancerous, otherwise known as malignant, tumor on the lungs. As with many other serious medical issues, lung cancer has a number of symptoms; symptoms that you should be on the lookout for. The most common symptoms of lung cancer include, but are not limited to, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody coughs, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, as well as the loss of appetite. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms are difficult to notice by healthcare professionals. That is why it is important that you be on the lookout for any of the previously mentioned symptoms. If you display any of these symptoms, you are advised to contact your primary care physician right away.

While it is important to be on the lookout for the above mentioned symptoms of lung cancer, such as bloody coughs, shortness of breath, and chest pains, they are sometimes difficult to associate with lung cancer. Many of these symptoms are also symptoms of other medical conditions. That is why it is not only important to examine lung cancer symptoms, but the risk factors of it as well. Perhaps, the most obvious and well-known risk factor, associated with lung cancer, is that of smoking. In addition to smoking, second hand smoke has also been known to cause lung cancer.

Whether you are currently a smoker or if you smoked in the past, you are always advised to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. It is important that you contact your physician with any concerns or questions that you may have. If lung cancer is not detected, you will at least know for sure and you can begin to put yourself at ease. If, by chance, lung cancer is detected, your healthcare provider will likely wish to discus your treatment options. Your treatment options will likely depend on which type of lung cancer you have.

As with most other cancers, lung cancer comes in a number of different forms. Many medical professionals tend to characterize lung cancer as two different types. These types include small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Each cancer is harmful, but most lung cancers, depending on how far advanced they are can be treated. As previously mentioned, these treatment options will likely depend on what type of lung cancer you are diagnosed as having, as well as what stage the cancer is at. Lung cancer stages are categorized as stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV, with stage IV being the most severe.

Despite the fact that lung cancer treatment options tend to vary, depending on the situation, you will find that most cancers are treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two. Surgery is most common in lung cancer that has been detected early. When lung cancer is detected early, it has not yet begun to spread. This makes it easier for the cancer to be removed. If the cancerous tumor has started to spread, surgery may also be an option, but chemotherapy is as well. In serve cases, both chemotherapy and surgery are used.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways that lung cancer can be treated. However, for that treatment to occur a diagnosis has to be made. That is why it is extremely important that anyone, whether it be yourself, a family member, or a close friend, seeks immediate medical assistance if they believe that they may have lung cancer.

About the Author:

Jared Lewis is an expert on lung cancer, and he is also a contributor to Healthline.

Read more articles by: Jared Lewis

Article Source: www.iSnare.com