Title: Cancer Treatment through Alternative Medicine and Natural Therapies

Subtitle: Curing and Treating Cancer through Alternative Medicine and Natural Holistic Therapies
Author: Sarah Astarii
Release Date: June 5 !"#$ %&'oo( )*!$5*+
,anguage: &nglish
Cancer Treatment through Alternative Medicine and Therapies
Contents
#- Terminolog.
!- &/tent o0 their usage
1- 2eople 3ho choose alternative treatments
$- 4ne00ective treatments
5- Alternative health s.stems
*- Diet5based
6- &lectromagnetic and energ.5based
7- H.brid
8- Terminolog.
#"- 2lant5 and 0ungus5based
##- 2h.sical procedures
#!- Spiritual and mental healing
#1- S.nthetic chemicals and other substances
#$- Areas o0 research
#5- &/amples o0 complementar. therap.
#*- Alternative theories o0 cancer
#6- Regulator. action
Curing and Treating Cancer through Alternative Medicine and Natural
Therapies
Terminolog.
Complementar. and alternative cancer treatments are o0ten grouped together in part because o0 the
adoption o0 the phrase 9complementar. and alternative medicine9 b. the :nited States Congress-
Ho3ever according to 'arrie R- Cassileth in cancer treatment the distinction bet3een complementar.
and alternative therapies is 9crucial9-
Complementar. treatments are used in con;unction 3ith proven mainstream treatments- The. tend to
be pleasant 0or the patient not involve substances 3ith an. pharmacological e00ects ine/pensive and
intended to treat side e00ects rather than to (ill cancer cells- Medical massage and sel05h.pnosis to treat
pain are e/amples o0 complementar. treatments-
Alternative treatments b. contrast are used in place o0 mainstream treatments- The most popular
alternative cancer therapies include restrictive diets mind5bod. interventionsbioelectromagnetics
nutritional supplements and herbs- The popularit. and prevalence o0 di00erent treatments varies 3idel.
b. region-
&/tent o0 their usage
Surve. data about ho3 man. cancer patients use alternative or complimentar. therapies var. 0rom
nation to nation as 3ell 0rom region to region- A !""" stud. published b. the European Journal of
Cancer evaluated a sample o0 #"!1 3omen 0rom a 'ritish cancer registr. su00ering 0rom breast cancer
and 0ound that !!-$< had consulted 3ith a practitioner o0 complementar. therapies in the previous
t3elve months- The stud. concluded that the patients had spent man. thousands o0 pounds on such
measures and that use 9o0 practitioners o0 complementar. therapies 0ollo3ing diagnosis is a signi0icant
and possibl. gro3ing phenomenon9-
4n terms o0 Australia one stud. reported that $*< o0 children su00ering 0rom cancer have utili=ed at
least one non5traditional therap.- As 3ell $"< o0 those o0 an. age receiving palliative care had tried at
least one such therap.- Some o0 the most popular alternative cancer treatments 3ere 0ound to be
dietar. therapies antio/idants high dose vitamins and herbal therapies-
:sage o0 unconventional cancer treatments in the :nited States have been in0luenced b. the :-S-
0ederal government>s National Center 0or Complementar. and Alternative Medicine ?NCCAM@ initiall.
(no3n as the A00ice o0 Alternative Medicine ?AAM@ 3hich 3as established in #88! as a National
4nstitutes o0 Health ?N4H@ ad;unct b. the :-S- Congress- Aver thirt. American medical schools have
o00ered general courses on alternative medicine- That includes the Beorgeto3n Columbia and Harvard
universit. s.stems among others-
People who choose alternative treatments
2eople 3ho choose alternative treatments tend to believe that evidence5based medicine is e/tremel.
invasive or ine00ective 3hile still believing that their o3n health could be improved- The. are lo.al to
their alternative healthcare providers and believe that 9treatment should concentrate on the 3hole
person9-
Cancer patients 3ho choose complementar. or alternative treatments in addition to conventional
treatments believe themselves less li(el. to die than patients 3ho choose onl. conventional treatments-
The. 0eel a greater sense o0 control over their destinies and report less an/iet. and depression- The.
are more li(el. to engage in bene0it 0inding 3hich is the ps.chological process o0 adapting to a
traumatic situation and deciding that the trauma 3as valuable usuall. because o0 perceived personal
and spiritual gro3th during the crisis-
Ho3ever patients 3ho use alternative treatments have a poorer survival time even a0ter controlling 0or
t.pe and stage o0 disease- The reason that patients using alternative treatments die sooner ma. be
because patients 3ho accuratel. perceive that the. are li(el. to survive do not attempt unproven
remedies and patients 3ho accuratel. perceive that the. are unli(el. to survive are attracted to
unproven remedies- Among patients 3ho believe their condition to be untreatable b. evidence5based
medicine 9desperation drives them into the hands o0 an.one 3ith a promise and a smile-9 Con artists
have long e/ploited 0ear ignorance and desperation to strip d.ing people o0 their mone. com0ort and
dignit.-
About hal0 the practitioners 3ho dispense complementar. or alternative treatments are ph.sicians
although the. tend to be generalists rather than oncologists- As man. as *"< o0 American ph.sicians
have re0erred their patients to a complementar. or alternative practitioner 0or some purpose-
Effective/Ineffective treatments
This section contains a list o0 therapies that have been recommended to treat or prevent cancer in
humans but 3hich lac( good scienti0ic and medical evidence o0 e00ectiveness- 4n man. cases there is
good scienti0ic evidence that the alleged treatments do not 3or(- :nli(e accepted cancer treatments
unproven and disproven treatments are generall. ignored or avoided b. the medical communit. and
are o0ten pseudoscienti0ic-
Despite this man. o0 these therapies have continued to be promoted as e00ective particularl. b.
practitioners o0 alternative medicine- Scientists consider this practice Cuac(er. and some o0 those
engaged in it have been investigated and prosecuted b. public health regulators such as the :S
Dederal Trade Commission the Me/ican Secretariat o0 Health and the Canadian Competition 'ureau-
4n the :nited Eingdom the Cancer Act ma(es the unauthorised advertising o0 cancer treatments a
criminal o00ence-
4M2ARTANT The 0ollo3ing items are detailed 3ith the positive and negative aspects o0 research
ho3ever each item has been (no3n to either cure or improve some i0 not all s.mptoms in case studies
3orld53ide- 4t is advisable to use one>s o3n discretion and to emplo. some o0 the alternative solutions
to Cancer5related care and treatment- The sub;ects given here are intended 0or in0ormational purposes
onl. and are not regarded medical adviceF that said there is no (no3n medical cure 0or cancer .et
there have been literall. hundreds o0 (no3n cases o0 complete remission ?cure@ o0 cancer in the 0ield o0
Alternative Health- 40 an.thing listed here .ields positive results then that could li(el. be deemed
positive ho3ever regular consultation 3ith a certi0ied pro0essional o0 choice is advisable-
Alternative health systems
Aromatherapy G the use o0 0ragrant substances such as essential oils in the belie0 that smelling them
3ill positivel. a00ect health- There is some evidence that aromatherap. improves general 3ell5being
ho3ever it has also been promoted 0or its abilit. to 0ight diseases including cancer- The American
Cancer Societ. state 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that aromatherap. is
e00ective in preventing or treating cancer9-
Ayurvedic medicine G a 5""" .ear5old s.stem o0 traditional medicine 3hich originated on the 4ndian
subcontinent- According to Cancer Research :E 9there is no scienti0ic evidence to prove that A.urvedic
medicine can treat or cure cancer or an. other disease9-
German New Medicine G a popular medical s.stem devised b. R.(e Beerd Hamer ?#815 G @ in
3hich all disease is seen as deriving 0rom emotional shoc( and mainstream medicine is regarded as a
conspirac. promulgated b. Je3s- There is no evidence to support its claims and no biological reason
3h. it should 3or(-
er!alism G a 3hole5bod. approach to promoting health in 3hich substances are derived 0rom
entire plants so as not to disturb 3hat herbalists believe is the delicate chemistr. o0 the plant as a
3hole- According to Cancer Research :E 9there is currentl. no strong evidence 0rom studies in
people that herbal remedies can treat prevent or cure cancer9-
olistic medicine G a general term 0or an approach to medicine 3hich encompasses mental and
spiritual aspects and 3hich is mani0ested in sundr. complementar. and alternative methods-
According to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that
these complementar. and alternative methods 3hen used 3ithout mainstream or conventional
medicine are e00ective in treating cancer or an. other disease9-
omeopathy G a pseudoscienti0ic s.stem o0 medicine based on ultra5diluted substances- Some
proponents promote homeopath. as a cancer cureF ho3ever according to the American Cancer
Societ. 9there is no reliable evidence sho3ing that homeopathic remedies can treat cancer in
humans9-
Native American healing G shamanistic 0orms o0 medicine traditionall. practised b. some indigenous
American peoples and 3hich have been claimed as being capable o0 curing human diseases including
cancer- The American Cancer Societ. sa. that 3hile its supportive communit. aspects might improve
general 3ell5being 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that Native American healing
can cure cancer or an. other disease9-
Naturopathy G a s.stem o0 alternative medicine based on a belie0 in energ. 0orces in the bod. and an
avoidance o0 conventional medicineF it is promoted as a treatment 0or cancer and other ailments-
According to the American Cancer Societ. 9scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that
naturopathic medicine can cure cancer or an. other disease9-
"iet#!ased
Al$aline diet G a restrictive diet o0 non5acid 0oods such as that proposed b. &dgar Ca.ce ?#766G
#8$5@ based on the claim this 3ill a00ect the pH o0 the bod. generall. so reducing the ris( o0 heart
disease and cancer- According to the Canadian Cancer Societ. 9there is no evidence to support an. o0
these claims-9
%reuss diet G a diet based on vegetable ;uice and tea devised b. Rudol0 'reuss ?#788G#88"@ 3ho
claimed it could cure cancer- 2h.sicians have said that in common 3ith other 9cancer diets9 there is no
evidence o0 e00ectiveness and some ris( o0 harm-
%udwig protocol ?or %udwig diet@ G an anti5cancer diet developed in the #85"s b. Johanna 'ud3ig
?#8"7G!""1@- The diet is rich in 0la/seed oil mi/ed 3ith cottage cheese and emphasi=es meals high in
0ruits vegetables and 0iberF it avoids sugar animal 0ats salad oil meats butter and especiall.
margarine- Cancer Research :E sa. 9there is no reliable evidence to sho3 that the 'ud3ig diet %---+
helps people 3ith cancer9-
&asting G not eating or drin(ing 0or a period G a practice 3hich has been claimed b. some alternative
medicine practitioners to help 0ight cancer perhaps b. 9starving9 tumors- Ho3ever according to the
American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that 0asting is e00ective
0or preventing or treating cancer in humans9-
allelu'ah diet G a restrictive 9biblical9 diet based on ra3 0ood claimed b. its inventor to have cured
his cancer- Stephen 'arrett has 3ritten on Huac(3atch: 9Although lo350at high50iber diets can be
health0ul the Hallelu;ah Diet is unbalanced and can lead to serious de0iciencies-9
(ousmine diet G a restrictive diet devised b. Catherine Eousmine ?#8"$G#88!@ 3hich emphasi=ed
0ruit vegetables grains pulses and the use o0 vitamin supplements- There is no evidence that the diet
is an e00ective cancer treatment-
Macro!iotic diet G a restrictive diet based around grains and unre0ined 0oods and promoted b. some
as a preventative and cure 0or cancer- Cancer Research :E states 93e don>t support the use o0
macrobiotic diets 0or people 3ith cancer9-
Moerman Therapy G a highl. restrictive diet devised b. Cornelis Moerman ?#781G#877@- 4ts
e00ectiveness is supported b. anecdote onl. G there is no evidence o0 its 3orth as a cancer treatment-
%$#+
)uperfood G a mar(eting term applied to certain 0oods 3ith supposed health5giving properties- Cancer
Research :E note that super0oods are o0ten promoted as having an abilit. to prevent or cure diseases
including cancerF the. caution 9.ou shouldn>t rel. on so5called >super0oods> to reduce the ris( o0 cancer-
The. cannot substitute 0or a generall. health. and balanced diet9-
Electromagnetic and energy#!ased
%ioresonance therapy G diagnosis and therap. delivered b. attaching an electrical device to the
patient on the basis that cancer cells emit certain electromagnetic oscillations- The Memorial Sloan
Eettering Cancer Center sa.s that such claims are not supported b. an. evidence and note that the :S
Dood and Drug Administration has prosecuted man. sellers o0 such devices-
Electrohomeopathy ?or Mattei cancer cure@ G a treatment devised b. Count Cesare Mattei ?#7"8G
#78*@ 3ho proposed that di00erent 9colors9 o0 electricit. could be used to treat cancer- 2opular in the
late nineteenth centur. electrohomeopath. has been described as 9utter idioc.9-
Electro Physiological &eed!ac$ *rroid G an electronic device promoted as being capable o0
diagnosing and treating cancer and a host o0 other ailments- Ho3ever according to Huac(3atch: 9The
Huantum Irroid device is claimed to balance >bio5energetic> 0orces that the scienti0ic communit. does
not recogni=e as real- 4t mainl. re0lects s(in resistance ?ho3 easil. lo35voltage electric currents 0rom the
device pass through the s(in@ 3hich is not related to the bod.>s health-9
+ight therapy G the use o0 light to treat medical conditions- According to the American Cancer Societ.
alternative approaches G such as chromotherap. or the use o0 light bo/es G have not been sho3n to be
e00ective 0or cancer treatment-
Magnetic therapy G the practice o0 placing magnets on and around the bod. in order to treat illness-
Although this has been promoted as a treatment 0or cancer and other diseases the American Cancer
Societ. sa. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support these claims9-
,rgone G a t.pe o0 li0e 0orce proposed to e/ist b. Jilliam Reich ?#786G#856@ 3hich he claimed could
be harnessed to cure diseases including cancer perhaps b. sitting inside an 9orgone accumulator9 G a
cupboard5li(e bo/ 3ith metal and organic linings- Huac(3atch comments that scientists investigating
Reich>s ideas have been 9unable to 0ind the slightest evidence in Reich>s data or else3here that such a
thing as orgone e/ists9-
Polarity therapy G a t.pe o0 energ. medicine based on the idea that the positive or negative charge o0
a person>s electromagnetic 0ield a00ects their health- Although it is promoted as e00ective 0or curing a
number o0 human ailments including cancer the American Cancer Societ. sa.s 9available scienti0ic
evidence does not support claims that polarit. therap. is e00ective in treating cancer or an. other
disease9-
-ife &re.uency Generator G an electronic device purported to cure cancer b. transmitting radio
3aves- Cancer Research :E state 9there is no evidence to sho3 that the Ri0e machine does 3hat its
supporters sa. it does9-
Therapeutic Touch ?or TT@ G contrar. to its name a techniCue that does not usuall. involve touchingF
rather a practitioner holds their hands close to a patient to a00ect the 9energ.9 in their bod.- According to
the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support an. claims that TT can
cure cancer or other diseases9-
/oetron therapy G therap. based around a large electromagnetic device that emitted a 3ea( 0ield
3hich it 3as claimed could (ill cancer cells- 2atients 3ere charged :SK#5""" up50ront 0or treatment in
Me/ican clinics- 4n !""5 criminal charges 3ere brought against the o3ners o0 the compan. ma(ing the
device 0or their claims o0 its 3orth- Huac(3atch sa.s: 9there is no scienti0ic evidence or reason to
believe that e/posure to 3ea( magnetic 0ields 3ill (ill an. cells9-
y!rid
Clar$0s 1Cure for All Cancers1 G an alternative medicine regime promoted b. Hulda Regehr Clar(
?#8!7G!""8@ 3ho ?be0ore her death 0rom cancer@ claimed it could cure man. human diseases
including cancer- The regime 3as based on the belie0 that disease 3as caused b. 9parasites9 and
included herbal remedies chelation therap. and the use o0 electronic devices- Huac(3atch describes
her notions as 9absurd9-
Contreras therapy G treatment o00ered at the Aasis o0 Hope Hospital in Ti;uana Me/ico 3hich
includes a number o0 ine00ective treatments including the use o0 amg.dalin and metabolic therap.- The
Memorial Sloan5Eettering Cancer Center lists 9Contreras Therap.9 alongside others 3hich 9sho3 no
evidence o0 e00icac.9-
Gerson therapy G a predominantl. diet regime generall. based on: limiting salt protein and other
0oodsF ingesting large Cuantities o0 0ruits and vegetables through ;uicingF augmenting the inta(e o0
potassium and iodineF and the use o0 co00ee enemas- According to Cancer Research :E 9available
scienti0ic evidence does not support an. claims that Berson therap. can treat cancer %---+ Berson
therap. can be ver. harm0ul to .our health-9
Gon2ales protocol G a treatment regime devised b. Nicholas Bon=ale= based on Berson therap.-
According to the Memorial Sloan5Eettering Cancer Center the treatment is a t.pe o0 metabolic therap.
that sho3s 9no evidence o0 e00icac.9-
o3sey therapy G a treatment consisting o0 a caustic herbal paste 0or e/ternal cancers or a herbal
mi/ture 0or 9internal9 cancers combined 3ith la/atives douches vitamin supplements and dietar.
changes- A revie3 b. the Memorial Sloan5Eettering Cancer Centre 0ound no evidence that the Ho/se.
Therap. 3as e00ective as a treatment 0or cancer-
Issels treatment G a regime recommended to be used alongside conventional treatment- 4t reCuires
removal o0 metal 0illings 0rom the patient>s mouth and adherence to a restrictive diet- Cancer Research
:E state: 9There is no scienti0ic or medical evidence to bac( up the claims made b. the 4ssels 3ebsite9-
(elley treatment G a treatment regime devised b. Jilliam Donald Eelle. ?#8!5G!""5@ based on
Berson therap. 3ith additional 0eatures including pra.er and osteopathic manipulation- Damousl.
Steve McHueen used it 0or three months be0ore his death- According to the Memorial Sloan5Eettering
Cancer Center Eelle. treatment is a t.pe o0 metabolic therap. that sho3s 9no evidence o0 e00icac.9-
+ive !lood analysis G in alternative medicine the practice o0 e/amining blood samples under a high5
po3ered microscope claiming this can detect and predict cancer and other illnesses so leading to a
prescription o0 dietar. supplements that are supposed to 0unction as treatment- The practice has been
dismissed as Cuac(er. b. the medical pro0ession-
+ivingston#4heeler Therapy G a therapeutic regime that included a restricted diet various drugs
therap. and the use o0 enemas- According to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic
evidence does not support claims that ,ivingston5Jheeler therap. 3as e00ective in treating cancer or
an. other disease9-
+orraine "ay0s 56#step program G a regime devised b. ,orraine Da. based on a restrictive diet and
behavioral changes such as giving up 3or( and ceasing to 3atch television- Stephen 'arrett 3rote on
Huac(3atch 94n m. opinion her advice is untrust3orth. and is particularl. dangerous to people 3ith
cancer9-
Meta!olic therapies G an umbrella term 0or diet5 and enema5based 9deto/i0ication9 regimes such as
the Berson therap. promoted to cure cancer and other disease- The Memorial Sloan5Eettering Cancer
Center states: 9Retrospective revie3s o0 the Berson Eelle. and Contreras therapies sho3 no evidence
o0 e00icac.-9
Plant# and fungus#!ased
The 0ollo3ing items are detailed 3ith the positive and negative aspects o0 research
ho3ever each item has been (no3n to either cure or improve some i0 not all s.mptoms in
case studies 3orld53ide- 4t is advisable to use one>s o3n discretion and to emplo. some o0
the alternative solutions to Cancer5related care and treatment-
Actaea racemosa ?or !lac$ cohosh@ G a 0lo3ering plant 0rom 3hich dietar. supplements are made
that are promoted 0or their health5giving properties- According to Cancer Research :E 9available
scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that blac( cohosh is e00ective in treating or preventing
cancer9-
Aloe G a genus o0 0lo3ering succulent plants native to A0rica- According to Cancer Research :E a
potentiall. deadl. product called T5:2 is made o0 concentrated aloe and promoted as a cancer cure-
The. sa. 9there is currentl. no evidence that aloe products can help to prevent or treat cancer in
humans9-
Amygdalin ?sometimes going b. the trade name +aetrile@ G a gl.coside has been promoted as a
cancer cure- Ho3ever it has been 0ound to be ine00ective and to/icF its promotion has been described
as 9the slic(est most sophisticated and certainl. the most remunerative cancer Cuac( promotion in
medical histor.-9%*1+
Andrographis paniculata G a herb used in A.urvedic medicine and promoted as a dietar.
supplement 0or cancer prevention and cure- The Memorial Sloan5Eettering Cancer Center has stated
that there is no evidence that it helps prevent or cure cancer-
Avelo2 ?also called firestic$ plant pencil tree or Euphorbia tirucalli@ G a succulent shrub native to
parts o0 A0rica and South America- 4ts sap is promoted as a cancer treatment ho3ever according to the
American Cancer Societ. studies suggest that 9avelo= sap ma. actuall. suppress the immune s.stem
promote tumor gro3th and lead to the development o0 certain t.pes o0 cancer9-
%ach flower remedies G preparations devised b. &d3ard 'ach ?#77*G#81*@ in 3hich tin. amounts o0
plant material are diluted in a mi/ture o0 3ater and brand.- According to Cancer Research :E 0lo3er
remedies are sometimes promoted as being capable o0 boosting the immune s.stem but 9there is no
scienti0ic evidence to prove that 0lo3er remedies can control cure or prevent an. t.pe o0 disease
including cancer9-
Canna!is G used as a recreational and medicinal drug- Chemicals derived 0rom cannabis have been
e/tensivel. studied 0or potential anti5cancer e00ect and 3hile there has been much laborator. 3or(
claims that cannabis can 9cure9 cancer are G according to Cancer Research :E G 9highl. misleading9-
The :S National Cancer 4nstitute has concluded 9At this time there is not enough evidence to
recommend that patients inhale or ingest Cannabis as a treatment 0or cancer5related s.mptoms or side
e00ects o0 cancer therap.-9
Cansema ?also called !lac$ salve@ G a t.pe o0 paste or poultice o0ten promoted as a cancer cure
especiall. 0or s(in cancer- According to the American Cancer Societ. there is no evidence that these
are e00ective in treating cancer and the. can be harm0ul causing burns and dis0igurement-
A ca.enne pepper G products based on peppers are promoted as cancer treatments
Capsicum G the name given to a group o0 plants in the nightshade 0amil. 3ell (no3n 0or producing
hot chilli peppers such as the ca.enne pepper and the ;alapeLo- A number o0 capsicum5based products
including teas and capsules are promoted 0or their health bene0its including as a claimed cancer
treatment- Ho3ever according to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic research does not
support claims 0or the e00ectiveness o0 capsicum or 3hole pepper supplements in preventing or curing
cancer at this time-
Carctol G a herbal dietar. supplement made 0rom a.urvedic herbs- 4t has been aggressivel. mar(eted
in the :nited Eingdom as a cancer treatment but there is no evidence o0 its e00ectiveness-
Cassava G a 3ood. shrub native to South America the root o0 3hich is a carboh.drate5rich 0oodstu00-
Cassava root has been promoted as treatment 0or cancer- Ho3ever according to the American Cancer
Societ. 9there is no convincing scienti0ic evidence that cassava or tapioca is e00ective in preventing or
treating cancer9-
Castor oil G an oil made 0rom the seeds o0 the castor oil plant- The claim has been made that appl.ing
it to the s(in can help cure cancer- Ho3ever according to the American Cancer Societ. 9available
scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that castor oil on the s(in cures cancer or an. other
disease-9
Chaparral ?or Larrea tridentata@ G a plant used to ma(e a herbal remed. 3hich is sold as cancer
treatment- Cancer Research :E state that: 9Je don>t recommend that .ou ta(e chaparral to treat or
prevent an. t.pe o0 cancer-9
Chlorella G a t.pe o0 algae promoted 0or its health5giving properties including a claimed abilit. to treat
cancer- Ho3ever according to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic studies do not support
its e00ectiveness 0or preventing or treating cancer or an. other disease in humans9-
Echinacea G a group o0 herbaceous 0lo3ering plants in the dais. 0amil. mar(eted as a herbal
supplement that can help combat cancer- According to Cancer Research :E 9there is no scienti0ic
evidence to sho3 that echinacea can help treat prevent or cure cancer in an. 3a.-9
Essiac G a blended herbal tea devised in the earl. !"th centur. and promoted as a cancer cure- The
:-S- Dood and Drug Administration include &ssiac in a list o0 9Da(e Cancer >Cures> Consumers Should
Avoid9-
Ginger G a root o0 plants o0 the Zingiber 0amil. and a popular spice in man. t.pes o0 cuisine- Binger
has been promoted as a cancer treatment 0or its supposed abilit. to halt tumor gro3thF ho3ever
according to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support this9-
Ginseng G a species o0 perennial plant the root o0 3hich is promoted 0or its therapeutic value
including a claimed abilit. to help 0ight cancer- Ho3ever according to the American Cancer Societ.
9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that ginseng is e00ective in preventing or treating
cancer in humans9-
Glyconutrients G are t.pes o0 sugar e/tracted 0rom plantsF the. are mostl. mar(eted in a product 3ith
the brand name 9Ambrotose9 b. Mannatech 4nc- According to the Memorial SloanGEettering Cancer
Center these products have been 9promoted aggressivel. to cancer patients9 on the basis the. can
help cellular health and boost the immune s.stem but that 9strong scienti0ic evidence to support these
claims is lac(ing9-
Goldenseal ?or Hydrastis canadensis@ G a herb 0rom the buttercup 0amil. promoted 0or treating man.
conditions including cancer- According to the American Cancer Societ. 9evidence does not support
claims that goldenseal is e00ective in treating cancer or other diseases- Boldenseal can have to/ic side
e00ects and high doses can cause death-9
Brapes G there is ver. little evidence that eating them can help prevent or treat cancer-
Gotu $ola G a s3amp plant native to parts o0 Asia and A0rica- Supplements made 0rom it are promoted
as cancer treatmentF ho3ever according to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence
does not support claims o0 its e00ectiveness 0or treating cancer or an. other disease in humans9-
Grapes G 0ruit populari=ed 0or supposed anti5cancer e00ect b. Johanna 'randt ?#76*G#8*$@ 3ho
championed a 9grape diet9 and promoted more recentl. in the 0orm o0 grape seed e/tract ?BS&@-
According to the American Cancer Societ. 9there is ver. little reliable scienti0ic evidence available at
this time that drin(ing red 3ine eating grapes or 0ollo3ing the grape diet can prevent or treat cancer in
people9-
>Inonotus o!li.uus0 G commonl. (no3n as chaga mushroom- Chaga has been used as a 0ol(
remed. in Russia and Siberia since the #*th centur.- According to the Memorial SloanGEettering
Cancer Center 9no clinical trials have been conducted to assess chaga>s sa0et. and e00icac. 0or
disease prevention or 0or the treatment o0 cancer cardiovascular disease or diabetes9- The. caution
that the mushroom e/tract can interact 3ith other drugs-
7uice Plus G a branded line o0 dietar. supplements containing concentrated 0ruit and vegetable ;uice
e/tract- 4n Actober !""8 'arrie R- Cassileth Chair and Chie0 o0 4ntegrative Medicine at Memorial
Sloan5Eettering Cancer Center cautioned that 3hile Juice 2lus is being 9aggressivel. promoted to
cancer patients based on claims o0 antio/idant e00ects9 the supplement should not be ta(en b. patients
because it can inter0ere 3ith chemotherap. nor should it be considered a substitute 0or 0ruits and
vegetables-
7uicing ?or 7uice Therapy@ G the practice o0 consuming ;uice made 0rom ra3 0ruit and vegetables-
This has been claimed to bring man. bene0its such as slo3ing aging or curing cancerF ho3ever
according to the American Cancer Societ. 9there is no convincing scienti0ic evidence that e/tracted
;uices are healthier than 3hole 0oods9-
(om!ucha G a 0ermented tea that has been promoted as a 9cure all9 0or man. conditions- According
to the American Cancer Societ.: 9Available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that Eombucha
tea promotes good health prevents an. ailments or %---+ 3or(s to treat cancer or an. other disease-
Serious side e00ects and occasional deaths have been lin(ed 3ith drin(ing Eombucha tea-9
Mangosteen G a 0ruit native to Southeast Asia 3hich is promoted as a 9super0ruit9 and in products
such as IanBo Juice 0or treating a variet. o0 human ailments- According to the American Cancer
Societ. 9there is no reliable evidence that mangosteen ;uice puree or bar( is e00ective as a treatment
0or cancer in humans9-
Mistletoe ?or Iscador@ G a plant used in Anthroposophical medicine proposed as a cancer cure b.
Rudol0 Steiner ?#7*#G#8!5@ 3ho believed it needed to be harvested 3hen planetar. alignment most
in0luenced its potenc.- According to the American Cancer Societ. 9available evidence 0rom 3ell5
designed clinical trials does not support claims that mistletoe can improve length or Cualit. o0 li0e9-
Mistletoe G Anthroposophical medicineholds that harvesting it 3hen the planets are aligned 3ill .ield a cancer treatment-
Mo3i!ustion G the practice used in con;unction 3ith acupuncture or acupressure o0 burning dried5up
mug3ort near the patient- The American Cancer Societ. comments 9available scienti0ic evidence does
not support claims that mo/ibustion is e00ective in preventing or treating cancer or an. other disease9-
Mushrooms G promoted on the internet as use0ul 0or cancer treatment- According to Cancer Research
:E 9there is currentl. no evidence that an. t.pe o0 mushroom or mushroom e/tract can prevent or cure
cancer9-
Nerium oleander ?or oleander@ G one o0 the most poisonous o0 commonl. gro3n garden plants is the
basis o0 an e/tract 3hich is promoted to treat cancer and other ailments- According to the American
Cancer Societ. 9even a small amount o0 oleander can cause death9 and 9the e00ectiveness o0 oleander
has not been proven9-
Noni 'uice G ;uice derived 0rom the 0ruit o0 the Morinda citrifolia tree indigenous to Southeast Asia
Australasia and the Caribbean- Noni ;uice has been promoted as a cure 0or cancer- Ho3ever The
American Cancer Societ. sa. 9there is no reliable clinical evidence that noni ;uice is e00ective in
preventing or treating cancer or an. other disease in humans9-
Pau d0arco G a large South American rain0orest tree 3hose bar( ?sometimes bre3ed into 9lapacho9
tea@ is promoted as a treatment 0or man. ailments including cancer- According to the American Cancer
Societ. 9available evidence 0rom 3ell5designed controlled studies does not support this substance as
an e00ective treatment 0or cancer in humans9-
Rauvolfia serpentina ?or sna$eroot@ G a plant used as the basis o0 a herbal remed. that some
believe ma. treat cancer- According to the American Cancer Societ.: 9Available scienti0ic evidence does
not support claims that 4ndian sna(eroot is e00ective in treating cancer %---+ 4t also has man. dangerous
side e00ects and is li(el. to increase the ris( o0 cancer-9
-ed clover ?Trifolium pratense@ G a &uropean species o0 clover promoted as a treatment 0or a
variet. o0 health conditions including cancers- According to the American Cancer Societ. 9available
clinical evidence does not sho3 that red clover is e00ective in treating or preventing cancer menopausal
s.mptoms or an. other medical conditions-9
)aw palmetto ?or Serenoa repens@ G a t.pe o0 palm tree 0ound gro3ing in the southeastern :nited
States- 4ts e/tract has been promoted as a prostate cancer medicineF ho3ever according to the
American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic studies do not support claims that sa3 palmetto can
prevent or treat prostate cancer in humans9-
)easilver G an e/pensive dietar. supplement made mostl. 0rom plant e/tracts and promoted b. t3o
:S companies- &/travagant claims 0or its curative po3ers led to the prosecution and 0ining o0 the
companies> o3ners- According to the Memorial Sloan5Eettering Cancer Center 9no studies have sho3n
the e00icac. o0 this costl. product9-
Soursop ?or graviola@ G an ine00ective treatment heavil. promoted on the internet-
)oursop ?or Graviola@ G 3idel. promoted on the internet as a cancer cure- According to the :S
Dederal Trade Commission soursop e/tract is among those products 0or 3hich there is 9no credible
scienti0ic evidence9 o0 an abilit. to 9prevent cure or treat cancer o0 an. (ind9-
8$rain G the trademar(ed name o0 a drug ?sometimes called 9celandine9@ made 0rom Chelidonium
majus a plant in the popp. 0amil.- The drug is promoted 0or its health giving po3ers and its abilit. to
treat cancerF ho3ever according to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not
support claims that celandine is e00ective in treating cancer in humans9-
Uncaria tomentosa ?or cat0s claw@ G a 3ood. vine 0ound in the tropical ;ungles o0 South and Central
America 3hich is promoted as a remed. 0or cancer and other disease- The American Cancer Societ.
state: 9Available scienti0ic evidence also does not support cat>s cla3>s e00ectiveness in preventing or
treating cancer or an. other disease- Cat>s cla3 is lin(ed to some serious side e00ects although the
e/tent o0 those e00ects is not (no3n9-
Menus 0l.trap G its e/tract has been promoted as a cure 0or s(in cancer
9enus flytrap G a carnivorous plant the e/tract o0 3hich is promoted as a treatment 0or a variet. o0
human ailments including s(in cancer- According to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic
evidence does not support claims that e/tract 0rom the Menus 0l.trap plant is e00ective in treating s(in
cancer or an. other t.pe o0 cancer9-
4alnuts G large hard edible seeds o0 an. tree o0 the genus Juglans- 'lac( 3alnut has been promoted
as a cancer cure on the basis it (ills a 9parasite9 responsible 0or the disease- Ho3ever according to the
American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that hulls 0rom blac(
3alnuts remove parasites 0rom the intestinal tract or that the. are e00ective in treating cancer or an.
other disease9-
4heatgrass G a 0ood made 0rom grains o0 3heat- According to the American Cancer Societ. although
some 3heatgrass champions claim it can 9shrin(9 cancer tumors 9available scienti0ic evidence does not
support the idea that 3heatgrass or the 3heatgrass diet can cure or prevent disease9-
4ild yam ?or Chinese yam@ G t.pes o0 .am the roots o0 3hich are made into creams and dietar.
supplements that are promoted 0or a variet. o0 medicinal purposes including cancer prevention- The
American Cancer Societ. sa.s o0 these products 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims
that the. are sa0e or e00ective-9
Physical procedures
A rectal bulb s.ringe G enemas 0eature in a number o0 ine00ective cancer treatments such as Berson therap. and colon
cleansing
Applied $inesiology G the practice o0 diagnosing and treating illness b. touching and observing
patients to detect meaning0ul signs in the muscles- Claims have been made that in a session
9spontaneous remission9 o0 cancer can be observed- Ho3ever according to the American Cancer
Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support the claim that applied (inesiolog. can diagnose
or treat cancer or other illness9-
Chiropractic G the practice o0 manipulating the spine to treat man. human ailments- According to the
American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that chiropractic
treatment cures cancer or an. other li0e5threatening illness9-
Craniosacral therapy ?or C)T@ G a treatment devised b. John :pledger in the #86"s- A CST
practitioner 3ill massage a patient>s scalp in the belie0 that the precise positioning o0 their cranial bones
can have a pro0ound impact on their health- Ho3ever according to the American Cancer Societ.
9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that craniosacral therap. helps in treating cancer
or an. other disease9-
Colon cleansing G the practice o0 cleansing the colon using la/atives and enemas to 9deto/i0.9 the
bod.- Co00ee enemas in particular are promoted as a cancer therap.- According to the American Cancer
Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that colon therap. is e00ective in treating
cancer or an. other disease9-
Cupping G a procedure in 3hich cups are used to create areas o0 suction on the bod.- Although 3idel.
used as an alternative cancer treatment the American Cancer Societ. sa. 9available scienti0ic evidence
does not support claims that cupping has an. health bene0its9-
"ance therapy Gthe use o0 dance or ph.sical movement to improve ph.sical or mental 3ell5being- The
American Cancer Societ. states 9De3 scienti0ic studies have been done to evaluate the e00ects o0
dance therap. on health prevention and recover. 0rom illness- Clinical reports suggest dance therap.
ma. be e00ective in improving sel05esteem and reducing stress- As a 0orm o0 e/ercise dance therap.
can be use0ul 0or both ph.sical and emotional aspects o0 Cualit. o0 li0e-9 A Cochrane revie3 0ound too
0e3 studies to dra3 an. conclusions about 3hat e00ects dance therap. has on ps.chological or ph.sical
outcomes in cancer patients-
-ei$i G a procedure in 3hich the practitioner might loo( at blo3 on tap and touch a patient in an
attempt to a00ect the 9energ.9 in their bod.- Although there is some evidence that rei(i sessions are
rela/ing and so might improve general 3ell5being Cancer Research :E sa. that 9there is no scienti0ic
evidence to prove that Rei(i can prevent treat or cure cancer or an. other disease9-
)hiatsu G a t.pe o0 alternative medicine consisting o0 0inger and palm pressure stretches and other
massage techniCues- According to Cancer Research :E 9there is no scienti0ic evidence to prove that
shiatsu can cure or prevent an. t.pe o0 disease including cancer-9
)piritual and mental healing
Higong G a (ind o0 meditation accompanied b. gentle movements
Cancer guided imagery G the practice o0 attempting to treat cancer in onesel0 b. imagining it a3a.-
According to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that
imager. can in0luence the development or progress o0 cancer9-
&aith healing G the attempt to cure disease b. spiritual means o0ten b. pra.er or participation in
religious ritual- According to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not
support claims that 0aith healing can actuall. cure ph.sical ailments9-
ypnosis G the induction o0 a deepl. rela/ed and .et alert mental state- Some practitioners have
claimed h.pnosis might help boost the immune s.stem- Ho3ever according to the American Cancer
Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support the idea that h.pnosis can in0luence the
development or progression o0 cancer-9-
Meditation ?also Transcendental Meditation and Mindfulness@ G mind5bod. practices in 3hich
patients attempt master their o3n mental processes- According to the American Cancer Societ. 3hile
meditation 9ma. help to improve the Cualit. o0 li0e 0or people 3ith cancer9 9available scienti0ic evidence
does not suggest that meditation is e00ective in treating cancer or an. other disease-9
Psychic surgery G a sleight5o05hand con0idence tric( in 3hich the practitioner pretends to remove a
lump o0 tissue ?t.picall. ra3 animal entrails bought 0rom a butcher@ 0rom a person-
Anti5cancer psychotherapy G a techniCue claiming that a 9cancer personalit.9 caused cancer 3hich
could be cured through tal( therap. e-g- that o0 the Simonton Cancer Center 'ernie Siegel>s
9&/ceptional Cancer 2atients9 ?&Ca2@ or Deepa( Chopra-
:igong G the practice o0 maintaining a meditative state 3hile ma(ing gentle and 0luid bodil.
movements in an attempt to balance internal li0e energ.- A s.stematic revie3 o0 the e00ect o0 Cigong
e/ercises on cancer treatment concluded 9the e00ectiveness o0 Cigong in cancer care is not .et
supported b. the evidence 0rom rigorous clinical trials-9
)ynthetic chemicals and other su!stances
;5<#* G sometimes called 9trimeth.lbic.clonitramineoheptane chloride9 is a mi/ture o0 chemicals
mar(eted commerciall. as a cure 0or man. human ailments including cancer- There is ho3ever no
scienti0ic evidence 0or an. anti5cancer e00ect 0rom 6#$5I-
Antineoplaston therapy G a 0orm o0 chemotherap. promoted b. the 'ur=.ns(i clinic in Te/as :nited
States- The American Cancer Societ. has 0ound no evidence that antineoplastons have an. bene0icial
e00ects in cancer and it has recommended that people do not spend mone. on antineoplaston
treatments-
Apitherapy G the use o0 products derived 0rom bees such as hone. and bee venom as a therap.-
Apitherap. has been promoted 0or its anti5cancer e00ectsF ho3ever according to the American Cancer
Societ. 9there have been no clinical studies in humans sho3ing that bee venom or other hone.bee
products are e00ective in preventing or treating cancer-9
Cancell ?also called Protocel )heridan0s &ormula 7im0s 7uice Crocinic Acid 7)=55< 7)=565
5>?=& and Entelev@ G a 0ormula that has been promoted as a treatment 0or a 3ide range o0 diseases
including cancer- The American Cancer Societ. and Memorial Sloan5Eettering Cancer Center
recommend against the use o0 CanCell as there is no evidence that it is e00ective in treating an.
disease and its proposed method o0 action is not consistent 3ith modern science-
Cell therapy G the practice o0 in;ecting cellular material 0rom animals in an attempt to prevent or treat
cancer- Although the use o0 human5to5human cell therap. has some established medical uses the
in;ection o0 animal material is according to the American Cancer Societ. not bac(ed b. an. evidence
o0 e00ectiveness and 9ma. in 0act be lethal9-
Caesium chloride G a to/ic salt promoted as a cancer cure ?sometimes as 9high pH therap.9@ on the
basis that it targets cancer cells- Ho3ever according to the Memorial Sloan5Eettering Cancer Center
there is no evidence to support these claims 3hile serious adverse reactions have been reported-
Chelation therapy G removal o0 metals 0rom the bod. b. administering chelating agents- Chelation
therap. is a legitimate therap. 0or heav. metal poisoning but it has also been promoted as an
alternative treatment 0or diseases including cancer- The American Cancer Societ. sa.s: 9Available
scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that it is e00ective 0or treating other conditions such as
cancer- Chelation therap. can be to/ic and has the potential to cause (idne. damage irregular
heartbeat and even death-9
Cyto$ine therapy ?or (lehr0s autologous tumor therapy@ G a so5called immunotherap. 3ith a
therapeutic substrate made o0 c.to(ines 0rom the cancer patients> blood- The inventor o0 this method is
Ni(olaus Jalther Elehr a dermatologist 3ho practiced it in his private clinics in Sal=burg and Munich-
The patients 3ere mainl. 0rom Slovenia 2oland and other &astern &uropean countries- Elehr is
reported as claiming that his treatment leads to e/tended li0espan-According to Berman Cancer Aid the
mechanism o0 action is unclear and the method>s clinical e00ectiveness unproven-
Colloidal silver G liCuid containing a suspension o0 silver particles mar(eted as a treatment 0or cancer
and other ailments- Huac(3atch states that colloidal silver dietar. supplements have not been 0ound
sa0e or e00ective 0or the treatment o0 an. condition-
"i %ella Therapy G a coc(tail o0 vitamins drugs and hormones devised b. ,uigi di 'ella ?#8#!G!""1@
and promoted as a cancer treatment- According to the American Cancer Societ.: 9Available scienti0ic
evidence does not support claims that Di 'ella therap. is e00ective in treating cancer- 4t can cause
serious and harm0ul side e00ects- --- %These+ ma. include nausea vomiting diarrhea increased blood
sugar levels lo3 blood pressure sleepiness and neurological s.mptoms-9
"imethyl sulfo3ide ?or "M),@ G an organosul0ur compound that has been promoted as a treatment
0or cancer since the #8*"s- According to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence
does not suggest that DMSA is e00ective in treating cancer in humans9-
ydra2ine sulfate G a chemical compound promoted ?sometimes as 9roc(et 0uel treatment9@ 0or its
supposed abilit. to treat cancer- According to Cancer Research :E although there is some evidence
H.dra=ine sul0ate might help some people 3ith cancer gain 3eight 9there is no evidence that it helps to
treat cancer9-
Insulin potentiation therapy G the practice o0 in;ecting insulin usuall. alongside conventional cancer
drugs in the belie0 that this improves the overall e00ect o0 the treatment- Huac(3atch state: 94nsulin
2otentiation Therap. ?42T@ is one o0 several unproven dangerous treatments that is promoted b. a
small group o0 practitioners 3ithout trust3orth. evidence that it 3or(s-9
(re!io2en ?also (no3n as Carcalon creatine su!stance * or drug *@ G a mineral oil5based liCuid
sold as an alternative cancer treatment- According to the American Cancer Societ.: 9Available scienti0ic
evidence does not support claims that Erebio=en is e00ective in treating cancer or an. other disease-
According to the :-S- Dood and Drug Administration ?DDA@ creatine has been lin(ed to several
dangerous side e00ects-9
+ipoic acid G an antio/idant available as a dietar. supplement and claimed b. proponents to be
capable o0 slo3ing cancer progression- According to the American Cancer Societ. 9there is no reliable
scienti0ic evidence at this time that lipoic acid prevents the development or spread o0 cancer9-
Miracle Mineral )upplement ?or MM)@ G a to/ic solution o0 !7< sodium chlorite in distilled 3ater is
promoted 0or treating cancer and other ailments- Huac(3atch states 9the product 3hen used as
directed produces an industrial bleach that can cause serious harm to health9-%#$1+
,rthomolecular medicine ?or Megavitamin therapy@ G the use o0 high doses o0 vitamins claimed b.
proponents to help cure cancer- The vie3 o0 the medical communit. is that there is no evidence that
these therapies are e00ective 0or treating any disease-
,3ygen therapy G in alternative medicine the practice o0 in;ecting h.drogen pero/ide o/.genating
blood or administering o/.gen under pressure to the rectum vagina or other bodil. opening-
According to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not support claims that
putting o/.gen5releasing chemicals into a person>s bod. is e00ective in treating cancer9 and some o0
these treatments can be dangerous-
:uercetin G a plant pigment used in dietar. supplements that have been promoted 0or their abilit. to
prevent and treat cancerF ho3ever according to the American Cancer societ. 9there is no reliable
clinical evidence that Cuercetin can prevent or treat cancer in humans9-
-evici0s Guided Chemotherapy G a practice in 3hich a chemical mi/ture ?usuall. including lipid
alcohol and various metals@ is given b. mouth or in;ection supposedl. to cure cancer- The practice 3as
devised b. &manuel Revici ?#78*G#886@ and di00ers 0rom modern chemotherap. despite being named
3ith the same term- According to the American Cancer Societ.: 9Available scienti0ic evidence does not
support claims that Revici>s guided chemotherap. is e00ective in treating cancer or an. other disease- 4t
ma. also cause potentiall. serious side e00ects-9
)har$ cartilage G a dietar. supplement made 0rom ground shar( s(eleton and promoted as a cancer
treatment perhaps because o0 the mista(en notion that shar(s do not get cancer- The Ma.o Clinic
conducted research and 3ere 9unable to demonstrate an. suggestion o0 e00icac. 0or this shar( cartilage
product in patients 3ith advanced cancer9-
)odium !icar!onate ?or !a$ing soda@ G the chemical compound 3ith the 0ormula NaHCA1
sometimes promoted as cure 0or cancer b. alternative medical practitioners such as Tullio Simoncini-
According to the American Cancer Societ.: 9evidence also does not support the idea that sodium
bicarbonate 3or(s as a treatment 0or an. 0orm o0 cancer or that it cures .east or 0ungal in0ections-
There is substantial evidence ho3ever that these claims are 0alse-9
8rine therapy ?or urotherapy@ G the practice o0 attempting to treat cancer G or other illnesses G b.
drin(ing in;ecting or ta(ing an enema o0 one>s o3n urine or b. ma(ing and ta(ing some derivative
substance 0rom it- According to the American Cancer Societ. 9available scienti0ic evidence does not
support claims that urine or urea given in an. 0orm is help0ul 0or cancer patients9-
9itacor G a t.pe o0 vitamin supplement devised b. Matthias Rath and heavil. promoted on the
internet alongside other products 0rom Rath>s compan. under the 9Cellular Health9 brand as a claimed
treatment 0or cancer and other human diseaseF these claims have led to Rath>s prosecution-According
to Cancer Research :E 9there is no scienti0ic evidence at all to bac( up the claims that these products
3or(9-
Areas of research
Medical cannabis ?especiall. 0or 9Appetite Stimulation9 and 9Analgesia9@-
Selenium ?Selenomethionine and Se5meth.lselenoc.steine@-
Nanobees
Deo/.cholic acid
Dichloroacetic acid
Curcumin
Mil( thistle
2roton therap.
HuaChanSu traditional Chinese medicine e/tracted 0rom the s(in o0 the 'u0o toad-
Due to the poor Cualit. o0 most studies o0 complementar. and alternative medicine in the treatment o0
cancer pain it is not possible to recommend them 0or the management o0 cancer pain- There is 3ea(
evidence 0or a modest bene0it 0rom h.pnosis supportive ps.chotherap. and cognitive therap.F studies
o0 massage therap. produced mi/ed results and none 0ound pain relie0 a0ter $ 3ee(sF Rei(i and touch
therap. results 3ere inconclusiveF acupuncture the most studied such treatment has demonstrated no
bene0it as an ad;unct analgesic in cancer painF the evidence 0or music therap. is eCuivocalF and some
herbal interventions such as 2C5S2&S mistletoe and sa3 palmetto are (no3n to be to/ic to some
cancer patients- The most promising evidence though still 3ea( is 0or mind5bod. interventions such as
bio0eedbac( and rela/ation techniCues-
Cole.>s to/ins
E3amples of complementary therapy
As stated in the scienti0ic literature the measures listed belo3 are de0ined as >complementar.> because
the. are applied in con;unction 3ith mainstream anti5cancer measures such as chemotherap. in
contrast to the ine00ective therapies vie3ed as >alternative> since the. are o00ered as substitutes 0or
mainstream measures-
Acupuncture ma. help 3ith nausea but does not treat the disease-
2s.chotherap. ma. reduce an/iet. and improve Cualit. o0 li0e as 3ell as allo3 0or improving patient
moods-
Massage therap. ma. temporaril. reduce pain-
4n animals some cannabinoids ma. stimulate appetite and reduce s.mptoms such as pain and
nausea related to therap. 3hich helps reduce 3eight loss- There is no evidence o0 similar e00ect 0or
people-
H.pnosis and meditation ma. improve the Cualit. o0 li0e o0 cancer patients-
Music therap. eases cancer5related s.mptoms b. helping 3ith mood disturbances-
Alternative theories of cancer
Some alternative cancer treatments are based on unproven or disproven theories o0 ho3 cancer begins
or is sustained in the bod.- Some common concepts are:
Mind#!ody connection: This idea sa.s that cancer 0orms because o0 or can be controlled through
the person>s mental and emotional state- Treatments based on this idea are mindGbod. interventions-
2roponents sa. that cancer 0orms because the person is unhapp. or stressed or that a positive attitude
can cure cancer a0ter it has 0ormed- A t.pical claim is that stress anger 0ear or sadness depresses the
immune s.stem 3hereas that love 0orgiveness con0idence and happiness cause the immune s.stem
to improve and that this improved immune s.stem 3ill destro. the cancer- This belie0 that generall.
boosting the immune s.stem>s activit. 3ill (ill the cancer cells is not supported b. an. scienti0ic
research- 4n 0act man. cancers reCuire the support o0 an active immune s.stem ?especiall. through
in0lammation@ to establish the tumor microenvironmentnecessar. 0or a tumour to gro3-
To3in theory of cancer: 4n this idea the bod.>s metabolic processes are over3helmed b. normal
ever.da. b.products- These b.products called 9to/ins9 are said to build up in the cells and cause
cancer and other diseases through a process sometimes called autointoxication or autotoxemia-
Treatments 0ollo3ing this approach are usuall. aimed at deto/i0ication or bod. cleansing such as
enemas-
+ow activity !y the immune system: This claim asserts that i0 onl. the bod.>s immune s.stem 3ere
strong enough it 3ould (ill the 9invading9 or 90oreign9 cancer- :n0ortunatel. most cancer cells retain
normal cell characteristics ma(ing them appear to the immune s.stem to be a normal part o0 the bod.-
Cancerous tumors also activel. induce immune tolerance 3hich prevents the immune s.stem 0rom
attac(ing them-
-egulatory action
Bovernment agencies around the 3orld routinel. investigate purported alternative cancer treatments in
an e00ort to protect their citi=ens 0rom 0raud and abuse-
4n !""7 the :nited States Dederal Trade Commission acted against companies that made unsupported
claims that their products some o0 3hich included highl. to/ic chemicals could cure cancer- Targets
included Amega Suppl. Native &ssence Herb Compan. Daniel Chapter Ane Bemtronics 4nc- Herbs
0or Cancer Nu5Ben Nutrition 4nc- Jestberr. &nterprises 4nc- Jim Clar(>s All Natural Cancer Therap.
'ioCue Technologies 4nc- Cleansing Time 2ro and 2remium5essiac5tea5$less-