According to Cancer Facts MD, the most common types of cancer include breast, lung and bladder cancer. No matter what the type, treatment is usually the same--surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. This, of course, depends on the person and the severity of her cancer. Those undergoing chemotherapy may find themselves experiencing unpleasant side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite and hair loss. For these reasons, some patients choose alternative treatments. It is always important for patients to discuss these alternatives with their doctor before discontinuing chemotherapy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a type of ancient Chinese health care that helps prevent and cure certain conditions and diseases by sticking needles into specific points of the body. When being used to treat cancer, it should be combined with other treatments, states the Cleveland Clinic
Patients choosing this alternative route may find it strengthens their immune system; however, no medical proof exists to support this. During an acupuncture session, the doctor uses pre-packaged needles, placing them at carefully determined points of the body. He uses between two and eight needles, and leaves them under the skin for up to 20 minutes. He also twirls the needles or warms them to increase the efficacy of the treatment. The Cleveland Clinic adds that while this type of treatment is not a cure-all, it may be an effective treatment for several diseases, including cancer.
Meditation
Right from the beginning, people should be aware that meditation should be used in combination with, rather than in place of, traditional medical treatment such as chemotherapy. This being said, the University of California, San Diego, or UCSD, explains that scientific evidence exists that shows when the mind is in the state of meditation, it causes physiological changes in the human body. Some of these changes include the spread of cancer and inhibiting the growth of tumors. UCSD does point out, however, that until solid evidence arises, meditation only be a way for patients to alleviate stress, tension, anxiety, panic and chronic pain.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is the use of various techniques to treat disorders, promote healing and promote increased levels of wellness. The Cleveland Clinic explains that massage relies on the body's pressure points and nerve endings to promote relaxation.
A number of benefits accompany massage, including stress relief, relaxation and pain control. In some situations, however, it may be risky, requiring adjustment of the techniques. A patient should not receive a massage if signs of blood clots are present. In addition, a patient undergoing radiation should not receive massage therapy at the site of radiation, as the massage may irritate the skin. While some may boast the effectiveness of massage therapy in place of chemotherapy, this is not recommended as it has not been proven.
