Cancer is a collective term for a group of many unrelated diseases involving abnormal cell growth in various body systems. Types of cancer are different and respond to different therapeutic approaches. Likewise, individual cases of cancer vary from patient to patient and require personalized treatment. Claims that there is one effective treatment for all types and cases of cancer are inaccurate.
Natural therapies, also called nontraditional, alternative or complementary medicine, may help fight cancer or help manage symptoms.
Possibly Effective Natural Cancer Treatments
There are some unconventional methods to treat cancer that show promise. However, more research is needed in order to prove safety and efficacy.
According to the National Cancer Institute, shark cartilage has been rumored to have cancer-fighting properties due to an incorrect belief that sharks never have cancer. Although cancer is rare among sharks, shark cartilage may have anti-tumor properties when used under controlled conditions in a lab.
Some aspects of Ayurveda, a traditional healing method from India, show promise. A healthy lifestyle, along with anti-oxidant or detoxifying herbs, may result in better outcomes during cancer treatment.
According to the Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology, a calorie-restricted ketogenic diet has been found to be useful in certain cases of brain cancer.
Natural Therapies for Managing Cancer Symptoms
For many alternative therapies, available evidence does not support efficacy for treating cancer. However, they may be useful in managing stress or pain associated with cancer or cancer treatments.
These include 714-X, Cancell, acupuncture, bioenergetics, biofeedback, breathwork, crystals, curanderismo, and holistic medicine. Activities such as support groups, psychotherapy, art or dance therapy, spiritual or faith healing, feng shui, humor therapy, hypnosis, imagery, labyrinth walking, meditation, music therapy, prayer, spirituality, neuro-linguistic programming, qigong, tai chi, yoga, manual healing and physical touch may help alleviate anxiety or physical discomfort.
National Cancer Institute reviewed aromatherapy's effectiveness in fighting cancer and found evidence lacking. Participants in some studies showed improvement in pain levels, anxiety, quality of life, and mobility.
Some people have found aromatherapy scents---such as mint or ginger---help relieve nausea. Gently inhaling a small amount of these fragrances may allow the patient to better tolerate waves of nausea.
Potential Risks
The word "natural" on a product label or advertisement does not mean the product is safer than conventional treatments. In fact, it may be riskier.
Avoiding or delaying proven conventional treatments in favor of using natural therapies can be dangerous. However, using natural methods, in consultation with your oncology treatment team, may improve quality of life and ease symptoms. It is important that you obtain products and services through reputable practitioners to decrease risks associated with unsafe products or procedures. It is also important to consult with your physicians prior to participating in alternative therapies. Most entail varying degrees of risks for cancer patients, including fasting, dietary supplements and activities involving moving the joints and muscles.
References
- National Cancer Institute: PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- American Cancer Society: Complementary and Alternative Therapies
- BioMed Central: Nutrition and Metabolism: The Calorically Restricted Ketogenic Diet
- The Oncologist: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer
- Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology: From Ancient Medicine to Modern Medicine: Ayurvedic Concepts of Health and Their Role in Inflammation and Cancer
