Cancer is close to becoming the leading cause of death for North Americans. It is bound to strike nearly every family of 3+ as about one in three of us will develop cancer in our lifetime. Nearly half of all patients diagnosed with cancer still eventually die of the cancer despite the best of medical care. This certainly provides rationale for exploring complementary medicine, as it is clear what
most are doing is not working. Integrative cancer care includes measures to increase the effectiveness of medical therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, while simultaneously reducing their harm. Data clearly shows, as well as something I witness daily, those that combine complementary medicine with standard of care improved survival and quality of life beyond what conventional oncology offers. What we focus on:
-> Improving the terrain (to support normal cell division, reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, stress hormones, insulin like growth factors and improve circulation, and immunity.)
-> Modulate epigenetics through gene methylation and expression
-> Remove promoters such as environmental toxins and hidden pathogens
-> Support the bodies natural ability to inhibit invasion and metastasis
-> Support apoptosis - the off switch for bad cells
-> Focus on prevention of reoccurrence or new cancers, or other chronic diseases resulting from cancer therapy. It is important to recognize the distinct difference between integrative cancer care and conventional care. Our specialties are quite different but of equal importance. Conventional care doesn't do my job, and I don't do theirs. There is a small overlap, but very large gaps remain if a person chooses to focus on either of these individually. Fortunately about 2/3 of cancer patients are now opting to include some form of complementary medicine. The more we work together, the better the outcomes for the patient.
