Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer Treatment

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)  for Cancer Treatment refers to those medical products and practices which are not related to standard medical care. Patients with cancers usually use this medicine to:

• Reduce and control th side effects of cancer treatments like nausea, fatigue, consciousness, pain, etc. 
• Cope up with all stress or depression-related symptoms, and promote a comfort level related to cancer treatment.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to a conventional medication and treatment solution. Let’s understand what CAM exactly is in detail.

What is CAM?

Many patients require additional medical care options like Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) with chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy for surgical treatments. 

The term complementary and alternative medicine considers traditional medical care of cancer given to patients to control stress, nausea, consciousness, etc. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is often referred to as a conventional medication and treatment solution. This alternative medicine replaces conventional anticancer therapy and other treatment approaches, including balanced diets and supplements to mitigate cancer and improve a healthy lifestyle. 

Multiple interventions are underlying the realism of CAM. These are ayurvedic therapies, oriental medicine, Reiki, Meditation, Yoga, acupuncture, occupational therapy, Physical therapy, diet plans, nutritional supplements and more. 

Types of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Physicians and healthcare professionals use CAM therapies every day, but there is a lot to learn and know about. Some of the CAM therapies given below require more research to prove their worth. 

If you suffer from any cancer symptoms, you should consult and discuss with your experienced healthcare professionals before taking any medication or supplements related to CAM. There is a list of CAM with relevant examples.

Mind-Body therapies

These CAM therapies refer to combinations of meditations, breathing focus, mobility improvement, and body movements to relax patients’ bodies and minds. Some examples are:

• Biofeedback: Healthcare practitioners use simple machines to learn specific body movements and functions such as heartbeat, pulse rate, etc. 
• Meditation: Using meditation techniques helps doctors to focus on breathing, control stress and reduce depression.
• Yoga: Yoga refers to strengthening, stretching, and poses that help patients give specific attention to their breathing and heartbeat.

Biologically Based Treatment Solutions

These types of CAM solutions are based on natural resources; some examples are:

• Vitamins and Dietary Resources
• Botanicals (cannabis and other plants and herbs)
• Herbs and spices like turmeric and cinnamon.

Manipulative Body-Based Practices

These kinds of CAM medical solutions are helpful to understand the body conditions and movements. Some examples are:

• Chiropractic Therapy: Types of therapies that help to improve spine and joint manipulation.
• Reflexology: Reduce the effects and pain of affected areas of the body through pressure points of the hands and feet.

Biofield therapy

Biofield therapy is also known as energy medicine. It includes the medication practice to attract and improve the functions of the body’s energy field and use it to enhance endurance power and promote healing. Some the examples are:

• Reiki: Reiki helps to balance the body’s energy by performing it on patients either from a distance or near the patients.
• Therapeutic touch: Therapeutic touch is performed by moving hands over the energy field of the body.

CAM Safety and Procedure

Healthcare practitioners need to focus on CAM therapies and use them safely and effectively while giving them to patients. These include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, physical therapy, etc. If CAM is not eventually evaluated, it might be harmful or negatively impact patients’ health. 

Every Natural Medication Are Not Safe

CAM therapies refer to various natural supplements and botanical products such as cannabis, herbs, dietary supplements and vitamins. These products are not entirely recommended by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also, it is necessary to be checked and evaluated correctly before selling it to the public. Therefore, it is totally up to patients and their families what’s best for them.

• Healthcare professionals use herbal supplements like Kava Kava to control stress and reduce anxiety levels. But, using these substances in large doses can cause liver damage. 
• Consult your doctor or physicians if you take any dietary supplements like vitamins, herbal tablets, etc. 
• Discuss with your doctor what you should be taking to manage your diet and nutritional supplements. Patients with cancer should have a focus on their balanced diet and nutrition to control cancer and symptoms. 

Need Expert Advice Before Using CAM?

Cancer patients and their families planning to have CAM supplements should talk with their doctors and physicians. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is generally considered a conventional medication and treatment solution. These supplements seem safe and effective, but they could be harmful or even disturb your health treatment. It is recommendable to learn about the side effects of CAM from a doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and clear your doubts about healthcare and CAM treatment. Let your doctor what you are going through and take their inputs about healthcare supplements for cancer treatment.