With the significant jump in the occurrence of cancer over recent decades, many people today have questions. Let’s look at some of these and respond:
- How do I know if I have cancer?
Most of us today have a cancer brewing inside our bodies. And most of these cancers will never be diagnosed by modern diagnostic methods. This is because our immune systems, assuming we take care of them, are always on the lookout for cancer cells, and kill them before they grow to be able to be detected by modern diagnostic methods.
- What are the underlying causes of cancer today?
This has changed over the years. Today, almost all of us live in a sea of toxins: environmental chemicals, heavy metals and radiation, to say nothing of poor diets. The cumulative effect of all these is to lead to chronic inflammation in our bodies, a weakening of our capacities to detoxify, immune system weakening, as well as nutrient deficiencies, such as Vitamin D or iodine. However, most cancers today are not inherited. Genes do play a role, because of DNA mutations that are often due to environmental influences.
- What can I do to prevent a cancer from happening in my body?
First, eat well. Second, work on resolving underlying psycho-emotional conflicts, which can and often do weaken our immune systems and therefore make us more vulnerable to cancer and to many chronic illnesses. Third, work with a qualified holistic practitioner, like a naturopathic or integrative medical doctor or Chinese Medicine practitioner, to support you in many ways.
- What diagnostic tests do I need to do to see if I have cancer?
First, pay attention to your body and its symptoms. If you notice pain that persists, or a change in bowel movements, seek a good physician to help you determine the cause. And by the way, a mammogram does not prevent breast cancer. It is one way among many to see if there is a possible cancer in the breast. We will address this issue of mammograms in future articles in the Flagstaff Business News. A number of years back, the craze was doing total body CT scans to detect cancers. This was called “preventative” medicine, when scans do not prevent, they detect. Same principle with mammograms. But the high exposure today to radiation precludes doing CT scans unless clinically indicated.
- How can integrative and naturopathic medicine help me prevent cancer and/or treat an already diagnosed cancer?
Integrative and naturopathic physicians, as well as trained and licensed practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, are skilled in looking deeper into your body’s functioning, physiologically and biochemically, often by looking at your tongue, hearing your voice, evaluating comprehensive lab test results, as well as understanding on a deeper physiological level what are the meaning of your symptoms. These areas are often not addressed currently in modern medicine, and is why our health care system would do well to include in payment plans a holistic practitioner.
Holistic practitioners know how to suggest food changes, and prescribe herbs and nutrients, which can help us detoxify better, and help support our nervous and hormonal systems, and also to help protect from side effects of modern oncology treatments, some of which may be necessary.
- Why do I not hear more of how integrative and naturopathic medicine can help me prevent or help in my cancer treatment?
The answer to this is somewhat complex. One problem today is that our health care system is really a sickness based system, focused on diagnosing and treating disease. This is because of many reasons, which can include the often excessive influence of pharmaceutical companies in funding what is deemed effective medicine, while almost completely ignoring the effectiveness of many herbs and nutrients.
- If I have a cancer, what type of practitioner do I work with?
Focus on putting together a team of practitioners who can help you. These often will include internist, surgeon, urologist or oncologist and also needs to include integrative, naturopathic, nutritionists and traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. Think in terms of a team to help you. Use your common sense and intuition, and listen and ask questions of your practitioners.
In summary, do your due diligence and be flexible and vigilant in caring for yourself, and be fearless in asking good questions of those on your therapy team. QCBN
By Robert Zieve, M.D.
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