Holistic Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Approach to Healing

Introduction

Cancer treatment uses radiation, surgery, medications, and other therapies to cure, reduce, or prevent cancer progression. There are various therapies; depending on the situation, one or a combination of treatments is followed.

What Is Meant by Cancer?

Cancer is a very large group of diseases that affect different parts of the body. Still, a common thing among all cancers is, cancer occurs when the normal cell transforms into a cancerous cell and multiplies in large numbers. Early detection of any cancer and proper, and prompt treatment is crucial for better prognosis of the condition.

How Do Normal Cells Differ From Cancerous Cells?

Normal cells follow a certain set of rules set by genes. But cancerous cells break these rules by not following the rules as normal cells do:

• The multiplication of normal cells is controlled, whereas cancerous cells divide and multiply in large numbers without any control.

• Normal cells undergo apoptosis (cell death), whereas cancerous radiation exposure directions.

• Normal cells for organs sit tight, whereas cancerous cells move around.

• Normal cells do not grow faster than cancerous cells.

How Does Cancer Initiate in the Body?

Cancer is initiated when a cancerous cell is formed by a gene or several mutated genes forming cancer clusters or tumors. The cancerous cell moves to other parts through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.

Who Does Cancer Affect?

Cancer may affect anyone, but it largely depends on race and sex. Cancer affects:

• It affects more men than women.

• It affects more black men than other people in other racial groups.

• It affects more women who are American Indian or Alaska.

What Are the Symptoms of Cancer?

Cancer is a complicated disease that does not develop symptoms and signs for years. In some people, the noticeable symptoms worsen very quickly. Some symptoms of cancer are:

• Sudden weight loss.

• Tiredness.

• Persistent pain.

• Fever.

• Skin changes like changes in the shape and size of old moles and the appearance of new moles.

When left untreated, it May cause other symptoms like.

• Bleeding easily.

• Formation of a lump or bump that does not go away easily.

• Breathing difficulty.

• Difficulty in swallowing.

What Is the Cause of Cancer?

Cancer is a genetic disorder caused when the cells divide and multiply due to the mutations of the gene that manages the cell activity. five to twelve percent of cancer are due to inherited genetic mutations that can not be controlled.

What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Cancer?

• Smoking: The chance of lung, pancreatic, esophageal, and oral cancer is due to continuous and long-term smoking of cigarettes, cigars, or e-cigarettes.

• Diet: The risk of cancer increases by intake of high-fat or high-sugar food, and the person may also be more vulnerable to cancer if not enough exercise.

• Environment: Exposure to certain toxins, such as asbestos, pesticides, and radon.

• Radiation Exposure: A major risk factor for skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Excessive radiation exposure may also be a risk factor.

• Hormone Therapy: The high risk of breast and endometrial cancer is caused due to hormonal replacement therapy.

How Is Cancer Diagnosed?

Basic diagnosis included physical examination, symptoms experienced by the person, and family medical history. The doctor may also follow other tests, such as

• Blood test.

• Imaging test.

• Biopsy.

Blood Tests for Cancer Include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): CBC helps to count all the number of blood cells.

• Tumor Markers: Cancer cells release tumor markers, or normal cells release tumor cells in response to cancer cells.

• Blood Protein Test: The immune system reacts to certain cancer cells by releasing immunoglobulins; the doctors use electrophoresis to measure the immunoglobulins.

• Circulating Tumor Cell Test: Cancer tumors may shed cells, and tracking and monitoring cancer cells help to know the cancer activity.

Image Testing Includes:

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: It is used to locate the cancerous tumor and to know the impact on the organs and bones.

• X-Rays: X-rays use a safe amount of radiation to get images of the bones and soft tissues.

• Positron Emission Test (Pet) Scan: This is a common scan to detect early cancer signs. It produces images of the organs and tissues at work.

• Ultrasound: It shows structures inside the body using high-intensity sound waves.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): The images of the organs and other structures are formed by large magnets, radio waves, and computers.

• Iodine Meta-Iodobenzylguanidine (MIGB): This method helps to detect cancer.

Biopsies:

• Needle Biopsy: This is done to detect cancers in the breast, thyroid, or lymph nodes by using a syringe to extract cells, fluids, or tissues from suspicious lumps.

• Skin Biopsy: A small piece of skin is removed to detect skin cancer.

• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A small sample of the bone marrow is tested to detect cancer in the bone marrow.

• Endoscopic or Laparoscopic Biopsy: An endoscope is a flexible tube along with a camera, and a cutting tool is attached to it; it helps to collect samples from inside the body by a small insertion created by the cutting instruments. Laparoscopy is a little different tool.

• Excisional or Incisional Biopsy: In these methods, either the entire tumor is removed, which is an excisional biopsy, or a part of the tumor is removed, known as an incisional biopsy, where the samples are used for testing.

• Perioperative Biopsy: It is called frozen section biopsy. In this method, samples are removed during other procedures, and immediately the testing is done so that the results are obtained soon, which helps to start the treatment very quickly.

What Are the Four Stages of Cancer?

There are four stages of cancer depending on the tumor size and location, and these are.

• Stage I: The cancer is present in a small area and is not spread to the lymph nodes or any other tissue.

• Stage II: The cancer cells are grown, but it is not spread.

• Stage III: The cancer is grown, and there are chances of the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes and other tissues.

• Stage IV: The cancer is spread to other organs and tissues called metastatic or advanced cancer.

What Is the Holistic Approach to Cancer?

Many various holistic approaches are present to treat cancer. Alternative cancer treatments do not play a direct role in cancer treatment but help cope with the signs and symptoms caused by cancer and its treatment, such as

1. Anxiety.

2. Fatigue.

3. Nausea.

4. Vomiting.

5. Pain.

6. Difficulty sleeping.

7. Stress.

Some Holistic Approaches Are

• Acupuncture: In acupuncture treatment, the practitioner inserts small needles at specific points in the body, which help reduce nausea that is caused due to chemotherapy. It also reduces pain associated with cancer.

• Aromatherapy: It uses fragrant oils to enhance calming sensation. Oils with fragrance can be used on the skin, added to the bath water, or heated to release the fragrance into the air. It helps to deal with nausea, pain, and stress caused by cancer and cancer treatment.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a common type of talk therapy where a therapist will conduct sessions. CBT helps people with sleep problems.

• Exercise: Exercise helps to deal with the signs and symptoms caused during and after cancer treatment. It helps to release stress and fatigue and improves sleep.

• Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a state of deep concentration. During these sessions, the therapist may hypnotize the person using a gentle voice and helps to relax. It helps the person to focus on goals, control pain, and reduce stress.

• Massage: In the case of massage, it helps to reduce the tension that is caused in the muscle and tendons and enhance relaxation. It can be light and gentle or with pressure.

• Meditation: Mediation is a state of deep concentration that includes breathing techniques and relaxation exercises. It helps people with cancer relieve stress and anxiety and enhance their mood.

• Yoga: Yoga combines stretching yoga postures and breathing techniques. Yoga postures include bending, twisting, and stretching. It helps relieve stress, improves sleep, and reduces fatigue.

Conclusion

Cancer is a very common condition that currently affects millions of people. Various forms of cancer can be treated through methods like radiation therapy, medications, and surgery. Early cancer can be cured when detected, but in many cases, the symptoms and signs are not evident in the initial stages. The holistic approach does not play a major role in the treatment but helps to deal with the various side effects of the treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, stress, anxiety, fatigue, or disturbed sleep.