Being on the receiving end of a cancer diagnosis or knowing someone who has, can be one of the hardest trials a person can face. This painful reality has affected most people during a period of their lives. Everything in a person’s life can suddenly be put on hold depending on the severity of the situation. As bad as chemotherapy can be on the body, sometimes it is the right call. There are countless types of cancer and the best therapy for each one can differ. I don’t believe cancer is something that can be 100% avoidable, but there are preventative steps that can reduce its probability. In this post I will dive into a few non-chemo forms of therapy that have displayed their potential in medical research.
Some topics I’ve covered in this blog revolve around some kind of diet implementation and cancer is no exception. Angiogenesis is the process in which the body produces new capillaries and blood vessels that distribute blood flow to your organs and other vital bodily functions. The relation to cancer is through solid tumors that rely on this blood supply to continue their progression. An existing tumor can send signals to other cells that cause them to become cancerous, leading to further harm in the body.
The FDA has approved various angiogenesis inhibitor medications, but there is also a unique class of foods that can act to inhibit cancer. When this action is in effect, the blood flow carrying oxygen and nutrients to the tumor is stopped. Key receptors and cell signaling pathways respond to initiate this sequence. This diet includes fruits and vegetables like tomato, apples, oranges, kale, pineapple, and various berries. Certain spices and herbs such as turmeric, garlic, parsley and green tea also promote this function. Medical studies have displayed the ability of this dietary regiment to be effective in suppressing cancer growth. This diet contains specific foods but also eliminates the ones that promote cancer. From a strategic perspective, blocking the enemy’s supply line and ability to reinforce itself without taking collateral damage is worth considering.
A new and emerging cancer treatment that is performed through licensed doctors is called histotripsy. This non-invasive therapy works through ultrasound technology that accurately sends sound waves to destroy tumors. Microbubbles form within the tumor causing it to implode. The remaining contents are easily disposed of by our immune system along with any trace of cancer. This biomedical technology has been shown to be very effective for liver cancer and has minimal to no side effects. The possibilities for this treatment have a considerable level of growth in its future and applications.
Autophagy is a remarkable process that takes place when the body is fasting. The mechanism of this therapy works by recycling and repairing cells that are damaged or potentially cancerous. The body inevitably is exposed to free radicals through diet, stress, and environment which leads to cell abnormalities. Autophagy begins when a period of about twenty four hours of fasting has taken place but peaks after forty eight hours. Because fasting is a complex physiological process, always consult your doctor before attempting it. There are medical practitioners who specialize in this therapy and understand the frequency and duration required for optimal benefit. Autophagy can also be beneficial for better immune efficiency and controlling inflammation.
Early detection is the best initial approach to winning the fight. There has been incredible progress in genetic testing and ability to predict cancer. These tests can look for specific biomarkers that have been linked to a higher probability of cancer. It is important to remember that doctors differ in their approach, understanding, and care for their patients. I mention this because I believe that a doctor shouldn’t limit a patient’s desire to gain factual data about their health. Even if a doctor is reluctant to authorize this type of testing there are alternative ways to obtain them. Some reputable independent companies specialize in genetic cancer screening and don’t require medical authorization.
My brief introduction to these three therapies was for the purpose of instilling hope and evidence-based research. There are several non-invasive cancer therapies that many are unaware of unless they are pursued through research. Being obsessed or overwhelmed with a problem is never a solution, but being educated on it can help you make a confident decision. A person’s optimism, faith, and strong will to overcome is essential in winning any battle. Staying in the moment and being thankful is always healing to the body beyond what the eye can see. My heart goes out to everyone who is or has endured this hardship and commend you on your strength and courage.
