Cancer that affects either the colon or rectum is called colorectal cancer. When this type of cancer is caught in the early stages, it is curable, and the best way to catch it early is to get screened. While some patients experience blood in the stool, painful bowel movements, narrower stools, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss and stomach discomfort, colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms in the initial stages. After a diagnosis, it is important to learn about all available treatment options. While there are no known alternative treatments that can cure colorectal cancer, complementary therapies can be used alongside traditional treatment to help manage symptoms and the side effects of treatment.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing small needles in specific areas of the body. The goal is restore the flow of chi or qi energy to stimulate healing. Acupuncture has helped some cancer patients reduce pain caused by cancer and manage nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, states the National Cancer Institute. While much more research is needed to understand exactly how acupuncture works, it may be that it alters the activity of the nervous system and certain chemicals, such as natural painkillers, in the body to help ease symptoms. Search for a practitioner who is licensed and who has experience in treating cancer.
Relaxation Therapies
Dealing with colorectal cancer can be stressful and frightening, and anxiety can in some cases, exacerbate symptoms. To help manage stress levels, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America recommend counseling, support groups and the use of relaxation therapies. There are many techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, guided imagery and self-hypnosis, that can help manage pain, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety and improve overall sense of well-being. Each case is different, and it may take experimenting with several techniques to find the right fit.
Diet
For the best outcome, eat a diet that will support healing and not interfere with the treatments being received. For those with colorectal cancer, this may include eating foods high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, squash and bell peppers, which help fight cancer, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. This can be combined with cutting back on refined foods such as white breads, pastas and sugar, which can promote cancer cell growth. It is also important to cut back on fat, caffeine and red meat and to eat more products such as organic eggs, whey and vegetable protein shakes. The latter can help a patient get the required amount of protein to improve muscle mass and prevent wasting, which can sometimes be a side effect of cancer therapies. A registered dietitian can help formulate a meal plan that meets individual needs.
American Ginseng
According to the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Therapy, American ginseng, or Panax quinquefolius, extract may help kill colorectal cancer cells. This effect may be enhanced by taking it with antioxidants such as vitamin C.
However, research is still in the early stages, and more needs to be done to determine the exact effect ginseng has and how much is needed to produce the desired results. Before trying any new product, talk to a physician or pharmacist to make sure it will not interact with other treatments being received.
