Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that the US will have almost 1.5 million new cases of cancer in 2009, with lung, breast, and prostate, respectively at the top. Most oncologists take a conventional approach in treating cancer - surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, with little mention of nutrition, psychological well-being, and exercise. However, the Journal of Clinical Oncology reported back in 2004 that 88% of 102 cancer patients at the Mayo Comprehesive Cancer Center used at least one CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapy. Where are these patients getting their information about CAM therapies from? The internet, probably.

Many of my patients come to see me because they've read this...or that...is great for their condition, over the internet. They're confused because there's conflicting information out there, some of which is valid, others not. While perusing the internet, be careful to avoid outlandish claims, information connected to a product sale, or information without a reliable resource backing it up. Regarding CAM therapies, the best advice is from a qualified CAM health care practitioner who reviews each case individually. Patients react and manifest cancer (and other diseases) in different ways. It's important to seek out personalized integrative care.

Integrative cancer care includes: diet, lifestyle, and dietary supplements. Some ideas include (there are lots more):

• DIET - There is a sugar & cancer connection. Sugar feeds cancer cells, so it's advisable to reduce or eliminate the consumption of simple sugars (and high fructose corn syrup). Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and antioxidants that fight free radical damage (onset of abnormal cells).
• LIFESTYLE - Research has shown an overall increase in immunity in people who exercise regularly, and it helps to increase energy. Another consideration is to reduce one's exposure to toxins - from the environment and in food.
  
• DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS - Essential fatty acids reduce inflammation and supports death of cancer cells, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). I also always recommend 4-5 cups of organic green tea, as it interferes with carcinogenesis, as well as demonstrates anti-cancer activity.
• ACUPUNCTURE - Helpful with side effects of chemotherapy (nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain) and with stress/anxiety.
  

Recently I've been working with the You Can Thrive! Foundation here in NYC. This foundation (founded by breast cancer survivor Luana Halpern) supports programs for breast cancer patients & survivors that include: acupuncture, massage, nutrition, life-coaching, dance, aromatherapy, and reflexology. I was initially recruited as an acupuncturist but have found myself (with my naturopathic training) also talking to the women about nutrition, healthy lifestyle, avoiding toxins/carcinogens, etc. I find this extremely rewarding. In my own practice, I also see cancer patients and even their family members who are coping the diagnosis.

Many cancers are preventable - by controlling inflammation, managing stress, reducing toxins, eating well, and exercising. Please keep this in mind for those who are survivors, current cancer patients, or those who are just interested in prevention.

For more information, please call or email me at 917-805-7940 or serena@serenitynaturalhealth.com.

Other sources:

• You Can Thrive! at http://youcanthrive.org/index.html
• Cancer Exercise Specialist, Orest Ludwig at http://www.einfach-fit.com/