Important Things to Know About Cancer!

Introduction:

Nowadays, cancer is not a new topic. It is because people are becoming more aware of the proceedings, costs, liabilities, and suffering accompanied by cancer. Cancer is a major disease. It brings physical, emotional, and financial suffering to the whole family. Some cancer medicines are rare and hardly accessible. Moreover, they are procured with difficulty. It further adds to the burden. Hence, it is the need of the hour for people to have basic knowledge about cancer and new treatment modalities.

What Is Cancer, Its Symptoms, and What Causes It?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of some group of cells in our body. It can happen anywhere. It also harms the other cells and hampers their function. Ultimately, it causes normal cell death and loss of organ function. Cancer is of two types:

1. Benign - The tumor cells are limited to one location and do not spread.

2. Malignant - It starts spreading to other organs and damages them.

There are no specific causes for cancer. However, there are some predisposing factors or causative elements:

1. Genetics.

2. Some pollutants.

3. Artificial food products.

4. Fertilizers and insecticides.

5. Constant exposure to chemicals such as smoking and alcohol.

6. Radiation exposure.

7. Viral infections that promote cancer growth.

There are no specific symptoms exclusive to cancer. Some common symptoms are sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, overgrowth, and changes in skin color. The ultimate diagnosis is through proper laboratory and radiological investigations for which one must consult a specialist.

What Are the Nine Things To Know About Cancer?

• cancer was first described by the ancient Egyptians.

• Skin cancer cases are more due to indoor tanning than lung cancer cases that are due to smoking.

• More than half of all cancers can be prevented.

• There are more than two hundred types and subtypes of cancer.

• The word “cancer” comes from Latin ‘crab’.

• Naked mole rats are immune to cancer.

• Worldwide there are twenty-eight million people with cancer who have survived.

• Due to heredity, the cancer caused is only five to 10 percent.

• Left breast cancer is more common than the right.

What Are the Various Treatment Options for Cancer?

Nowadays, various treatments are allopathy, homeopathy, and ayurveda. However, in cancer, exclusive homeopathic treatment is never advised. This is because it should always be used in conjunction with conventional modalities such as allopathy. When other systems of medicine fail, homeopathy can cure many types of cancers. However, there is a limit to all treatment modalities. Therefore, it is suggested to take homeopathic treatment along with other treatments. Besides, it is not wise to have unrealistic expectations from a particular treatment.

What Is Homeopathy and Its Mechanism of Action?

Homeopathy is an old complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. It is very commonly used by cancer patients. A homeopathic therapist (homeopath) uses small doses of a highly diluted substance. It is believed that homeopathic medicines work via the body’s self-healing process. Healing occurs because of the body’s stable internal environment. Manufacturers make homeopathic medicines from plants, minerals, and animal substances. They are diluted in water and shaken until a little original substance is left. Further, homeopaths use diluted water to make drops, lozenges, pills, or creams. Many diseases are commonly treated by homeopathic medicine. These include asthma, depression, middle ear infections, nose allergies, headaches, brain diseases, skin infections, joint diseases, and hypertension.

What Are the Advantages of Homeopathy Over Conventional Treatments for Cancer?

A few notable advantages of homeopathic medicines over conventional cancer therapy are:

1. Homeopathic medicines are organic substances. The homeopath uses only a few molecules of the original material. Therefore, it provides relief from the symptoms without any harmful side effects. Most people prefer homeopathy to avoid the side effects caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

2. Only gentle doses of homeopathic medicine are used. Hence, there is no risk of developing resistance to conventional cancer treatments.

3. In the case of cancer treatment, the homeopath not only helps treat the condition but also aids in stimulating immunity, decreasing pain, and improving the overall quality of life.

4. Homeopathy is typically not toxic and can be a better choice for people with other medical conditions. It is also formulated for people who cannot tolerate other medicine types.

What Are the Most Commonly Used Homeopathic Medicines in Cancer Treatment?

Different medicines aim at cancers depending on the location. The commonly used homeopathic medicines include:

• Arsenicum Album - Arsenicum helps patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLW; an autoimmune disease) and cancer. It also helps treat weakness and pain.

• Calcarea Fluorica - Hardened breast lumps in the breasts are treated with this medication. Calcarea fluorica can also help prevent malignancy or cancer.

• Condurango - Condurago can treat different parts of the stomach and abdomen. It also helps in modifying pain related to open tumors.

• Conium Maculatum - Conium helps with gland hardness due to tumors. It can be used to treat mammary (breast) tumors. It also helps treat gland-related scars and bruises.

• Phytolacca Decandra - This medicine can treat fatty tumors. It also helps in treating hardened breast lumps. It can also act as an absorbent for uterine tumors.

• Iodine - Iodine is used in cervical cancer and intense bleeding.

Why Do Cancer Patients Use Homeopathy?

Cancer patients can use homeopathy to feel in control of their situation. Some people use it alongside conventional therapy. Further, homeopathy followers promote it to cancer patients as a natural way to help:

• Relax.

• Decrease stress, anxiety, and depression.

• Control side effects such as pain, weakness, lethargy, and tiredness.

Cancer patients report that they feel better with homeopathy. However, there is no evidence to prove that it helps with any health condition. It is suggested that the benefits can be due to the placebo (an inactive substance) effect.

What Are the Common Lifestyle And Dietary Changes Required for Homeopathy in Cancer Patients?

Some instructions to alter the daily routine are:

1. Take a diet rich in nutrients.

2. Include exercises in the daily routine.

3. Avoid taking in excessive salt or sugar in the diet.

4. Avoid stress by performing stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.

5. Avoid staying in an unsanitary and damp environment.

What Are the Risks Of the Use of Homeopathic Medicines in Cancer Treatment?

Homeopathic medicines are usually considered safe for use. However, some associated risks are:

• They are not evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for safety and effectiveness.

• Homeopathy can not be used for the management of all types of cancers.

• Homeopathic medicines may have drug interactions with other medicines.

Conclusion:

Diseases like cancer do not get treated by a single medicine or prescription. It requires various medicines and regular follow-ups for progress evaluation. However, there may be room in the treatment plan for alternative approaches as long as they complement and do not interfere with the effectiveness of the other therapies.