What are some potential benefits of combining conventional cancer treatments with other therapies in an integrative cancer care model?
- Strengthens the body, including the immune system, before, during, and after conventional cancer treatments
- Supports the mind and spirit before, during, and after conventional cancer treatments
- Enhances the power of conventional therapies to kill cancer cells
- Helps protect noncancerous cells
- Reduces side effects from conventional cancer treatments
- Stimulates the body's natural anti-cancer defenses
- Reduces inflammation, angiogenesis, and other factors that may contribute to a cancer friendly environment in the body
Qualified integrative cancer care providers help develop a treatment plan toward these goals.
What are potential concerns about combining conventional cancer treatments with other therapies in an integrative cancer care model?
Interactions between conventional cancer treatments and approaches such as herbs and supplements can either support or reduce effectiveness. Research continues to evaluate these issues. Along with some larger studies, this research is typically performed in small groups of people due to the cost of clinical trials and that natural therapies cannot be patented unless they are synthetic drugs. Without the ability to patent, there is less financial incentive for the funders of studies. Also, due to bias, some studies are not published and certain studies receive more media attention compared to others.
The combination of some conventional cancer treatments with some herbs and supplements may cause adverse effects. Ask about potential interactions with your providers and know it is a very important area to investigate.
What is the link between conventional cancer care and integrative cancer care in health care models?
Integrative cancer care includes conventional cancer treatments within all appropriate therapeutic approaches, providers, and disciplines through partnerships supporting optimal health and healing. Providing compassionate, comprehensive care for the whole person, integrative cancer care addresses the totality of body, mind, and spirit, including social and environmental health, for each individual.
Learn more about compontents of integrative cancer care and reasons for using integrative cancer care.
Where can I find more information about cancer drugs, herbs, supplements, and interactions?
Top Cancer Resources has a section called Cancer Drugs, Herbs, and Supplements with additional resources on the topic.
Questions for Evaluating Cancer Treatments and Providers offers tips about what to ask when exploring conventional and integrative cancer care, including cancer drugs, herbs, supplements, and interactions. A critical assessment of cancer treatments, and any therapies for your health, must include a comprehensive analysis of potential risks versus benefits.
Maps to Integrative Cancer Care provides a step-by-step process about how to find the best of conventional and integrative cancer care.
Resources contains other helpful topics.
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