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by Alan H. Traling, M.D.
Cancer Treatment: an Integrative Approach
The American Institute for Cancer Research estimates that one in two men and one in three women will develop some form of cancer. These overwhelming statistics show that everyone will most likely be touched by cancer in some way during their lifetime. The good news is that today medical research shows us that a healthy lifestyle can help prevent a variety of diseases, including cancer. Diet is now considered to be one of the most important risk factors in the development of cancer. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, 70 percent of cancers are preventable through dietary and lifestyle changes.
As a board certified radiation oncologist for over 20 years, I have treated over 12,000 cancer patients in my clinics. Every catastrophe that happens in one's life, such as cancer, is an opportunity for some amazing growth and spiritual awakening. I specialized in oncology to be a witness and part of this experience.
Taking an “integrative” approach to cancer treatment has been an integral practice of my entire professional life. My main focus as a physician has included children’s cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. As a radiation oncologist I use the most advanced technical equipment such as 3-D conformal therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, linear accelerators (like the 23 EX) and high dose implants. My studies and work with people such as Elizabeth Kubler Ross, Juan del Regato, M.D., Jerome Vaeth, M.D., Thick Nanh Hahn, Ram Dass and Deepak Chopra have expanded my interest and study of the art and feelings associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, as well as with complimentary care approaches found in the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine, Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine and that of other cultures.
My dedication to integrative cancer treatment led to the establishment of The Cancer Wellness Institute, Palm Harbor, Florida, which was dedicated by Dr. Andrew Weil in 1998. The Cancer Wellness Institute is an extension of my practice at the Cornerstone and Bardmoor Cancer Centers, and has a comprehensive philosophy by which we offer treatment. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the proven standards for the treatment of cancer. The Cancer Wellness Institute integrates modern medicine with complementary therapies such as nutritional therapy, massage therapy, guided imagery, yoga, t’ai chi, support groups and acupuncture, to round out the treatment program.
At the Cancer Wellness Institute we emphasize a 3-Step Plan to Health and Wellness: Positive Outlook, Active Body and Nutritional Balance. Our goal is to get people to eat healthy foods, to exercise and to get into a good frame of mind for an understanding of what their cancer is about.
As noted in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (Vol. 18, No. 13 (July), 2000: pp. 2505–14), the popularity of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) is an?international phenomenon. The article estimates that 83.3 percent of United States patients use CAM, with 62 percent of them taking dietary supplements. The study found that oncologists are becoming increasingly aware that patients use CAM; however, too few oncologists discuss these therapies with their patients. It is also true that many patients do not inform their doctors that they are exploring complementary medicine. In order to maximize their chances for survival, patients with advanced cancer turn to CAM for hope after conventional treatments fail, to improve the quality of life or to manage symptoms. Today more than ever, patient-doctor communication and education needs to be improved.
It is important to keep in mind that integrative care is not for all patients. Oncologists need to be sensitive to each person’s individual needs; many patients treated at The Cancer Wellness Institute choose a wellness course with standard treatments alone. Some patients need control of their treatments while others want everything taken care of for them. After the diagnosis we find out about the patient’s lifestyle and how we can help them make positive changes to that lifestyle. It is important not to force anything on anyone. Doctors need to talk to their patients so that each person gives an “informed consent” and invites his or her doctor to help him or her. If a patient is not ready to explore integrated treatments, then we leave it at that.
Standard conventional treatment cures a considerable number of patients each year. Bringing the two forms of treatment together, we are giving patients the best ability to fight cancer as well as tolerate standard treatments.We have some excellent results and approaches to the treatment of cancer using integrative therapy. One of the biggest gains that we have accomplished over the last 10 or 15 years is making our treatments more effective, gentler and easier on the patient. The goal at The Cancer Wellness Institute is to merge both state of the art facilities with complementary therapies to support the cancer patient while they are undergoing treatment, ultimately cutting down on side effects, boosting energy and promoting cell health.
I believe that nutritional education is one of the most powerful integrative therapies we can offer to cancer patients. I strongly support the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute in their recommendations that at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables are a very important part of cancer prevention. The reality is that the American public is lucky if they eat two servings of fruits and vegetables a day and these servings are usually the same corn or potatoes and salad.
In the field of nutrition there are phytochemicals—the powerful compounds which come from fruits and vegetables. These phytochemicals have a wide array of activities which offer therapeutic benefits, particularly when we are looking at people who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. If we look at the current literature today and current scientific journals, we would literally find, worldwide, hundreds of studies are being conducted dealing with the different phytochemicals found in fresh fruits and vegetables and the positive effects on cellular health. Through literature, research and by listening to patients, we were able to identify which food products offer the richest phytochemicals. Specifically we looked at the phytochemicals that might have a potential for promoting healthy normal cells and resisting the production of abnormal or cancerous cells. We then developed Earthmends™ a line of dietary supplements which nutritionally support cancer therapies and provide a nutritional foundation for the prevention of cancer.
Based on a scientific plan for the perfect meal, the supplements deliver highly-concentrated extracts of whole fruits and vegetables combined with herbs, botanicals and other nutrients which are considered to be natural cancer preventatives and are instrumental in supporting patients throughout their treatment course.
How many people eat beets, tomatoes, kiwi and peaches on a regular basis? Our Total Health Program is meant to help people supplement their diets with two to three additional servings of a wide spectrum of fruits and vegetables that they do not normally eat. It is a highly concentrated form of over 35 whole foods, rich in antioxidants, to help build the immune system. If people eat enough fruits and vegetables on a regular basis, they will reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other problems as well.
A Breast Health Program and Prostate Health Program have been designed to be supportive of the patient while they are undergoing either surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. There are many side effects for patients getting chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or large field radiation. Earthmends contains ingredients to ?combat the most common side effects. During their treatment, most patients get very tired. They don’t sleep well or eat properly so we try to boost their immune system, lessen their fatigue and help improve antioxidant abilities.
The 3-Step Plan to Health and Wellness seeks to help cancer patients and survivors meet the ongoing need for support and prevention. Patients should keep a positive outlook, take some quiet time, walk on the beach, watch the sunset and listen to soothing music. They should also try meditating, t’ai chi or yoga. It is important for patients to try to remember not to focus on the disease but for them to focus on their health. We also recommend exercising at least 45 minutes a day and to have fun while doing it. Biking, tennis or walking are all great physical activities. It is important to consume at least the recommended five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables. These foods should have a full spectrum of color and be preferably fresh or organic.
It is also important for patients to be comfortable with their his/her doctor, office, hospital and staff. There is always a choice in the treatments recommended so they should review their options and get a second opinion. It is important to ask the right questions and look at the right references.
Finally, live fully, because each day counts. believe that the difference between a patient who survives and one who doesn’t has to do not only with superior medical treatment but with the patient’s own inner ability to eradicate the cancer and heal.
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