It is still unclear when cancer started invading humans, but the first documented case of cancer was found on papyrus from Egypt in 1500 BC as a tumor found in the breast. It was treated by destroying the tissue with a hot instrument called “the fire drill”, which we call “cauterization” today. The progressive studies by scientists, researchers, and doctors in the last two decades have helped us to understand and treat cancer as it is today. Although we are still learning more about cancer, we have carcinogens, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc. to prevent and treat some forms of cancer.

Getting diagnosed with cancer is unfortunate, but relatively common for people. Even after the advancements in ‌cancer diagnosis and treatment, it is still the leading cause of death worldwide. But the good thing is traditional treatments for cancer such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation is getting more effective. Medicine has also made a change in the prevention and early detection of cancer and the survival rates are higher than ever.

Although a larger population is still believing in many of the unscientific treatments out there for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. It will not help but can cause harm and interfere with mainstream cancer treatments. There is no magical treatment for cancer and unproven alternative therapies used as a substitute for conventional care delay traditional treatment and reduce the chances of remission. Therefore, it’s important to differentiate between alternative and complementary therapies. Alternative cancer treatments can be harmful, but complementary therapies when used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatment, can help to ease symptoms and contribute to overall wellness.

You will find a lot of discussion on alternative therapy and complementary therapy. So let’s understand the myths and realities on this subject. Following is some of the important information that will help you ‌choose the best treatments out there for better health and quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

Reality– Mind your food. It can prevent cancer:

A poor diet and lack of exercise can contribute to the risk of developing cancer. 

The most effective strategy for cancer prevention is a lifestyle change. Having a plant-based diet plan is best for your health and brings a healthy balance to your body.

Follow these guidelines to reduce your risk of several chronic illnesses:

  • Eat foods rich in whole grains and fiber
  • Eat a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, and beans
  • Limit your consumption of red meat, processed meats, soda, chips, etc.
  • Don’t smoke
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Keep up with routine health care and cancer screenings.
  • Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week

Preventing cancer with a healthy lifestyle is pretty straightforward. It’s eating the foods you know are healthy, and avoiding the foods and habits you know are not good.

Semi-truth– Supplements reduce the risk of cancer returning:

Although diet plays an important role in cancer prevention, dietary supplements are still in question. Overall research shows that supplements don’t protect against cancer. To get the maximum cancer-prevention benefits from food, ‌meet your nutritional needs through your diet, not through supplements.

There are some commercially advertised supplements that can do more harm than good. Using them with expert clinical advice is critical. For example, antioxidant supplements reduce the effectiveness of radiation therapy and some chemotherapy drugs. Turmeric reduces the effectiveness of the drug tamoxifen for breast cancer patients. There are many such examples. So it is recommended to talk to your doctor before starting or changing your supplements.

Truth– Complementary therapies can help with healing:

Wellness routines can make a tremendous difference in anyone’s life, whether you’re physically healthy or in the middle of your cancer journey. Music therapy, meditation, stress management, and yoga are all useful complementary therapies during and after cancer treatment.

Studies show that meditation, in particular, is effective for a range of health conditions and helps with many of the side effects of cancer treatments, such as pain, anxiety, and depression. The great thing about meditation is that it can be done nearly anywhere, at almost any time.

How to decide which cancer treatments are right for you?

If you’re researching complementary cancer treatments or alternative therapies, then you should always consult with an oncologist without wasting your time and giving space to the cancerous cells to grow in your body and reach a fatal condition. Choosing a therapy of your own might interact with your other cancer treatment or medications. 

For better diagnosis and treatment you can always contact SPDT4LIFE, the world’s leading holistic cancer treatment center, located at the Golden Sand Bay Hospital in Guangzhou, southeast China. Besides the traditional treatments, you can avail a range of safest, evidence-based, non-toxic holistic, alternative, and complementary treatments that many patients around the world have taken the benefit of. Now it is your time to live with good health, not with cancer.