MsC1210
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Definitely makes sense on many levels. You are what you eat?
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MEDIA COVERAGE OF LUNG CANCER IS INCREASING — AND INCREASINGLY NEGATIVE, NEW REPORT SHOWS
More focus on smoking and tobacco use in lung cancer reporting, less on survivorship
NEW YORK, October 28, 2008 — CancerCare today announced that despite an overall increase in news reporting on lung cancer, the overall tone of lung cancer media coverage has become significantly more negative. "How the U.S. Media Report on Cancer" (supplement ), an analysis of lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer coverage, was an independent report conducted by CARMA International Inc. for CancerCare; previous analyses were issued in 2000 and 2004. The report evaluated volume of coverage for each of the cancer types, topics of discussion, favorability and tone for the period August 2007 through July 2008.
For the first time since the 2000 report, coverage of smoking and tobacco use as it relates to lung cancer increased. Smoking and tobacco use featured prominently in 44 percent of lung cancer coverage—up from 31 percent in the 2003–2004 analysis.
"The prominence of smoking in media reports on lung cancer may be contributing to the stigma that lung cancer patients say they feel, regardless of whether or not they have smoked," said Diane Blum, Executive Director of CancerCare. "We're hopeful that research on new screening methods and new treatments will broaden the scope of lung cancer coverage and help reduce the stigma that people with lung cancer feel."
The report also noted that breast cancer coverage, with the highest favorability rating, often featured personal stories of breast cancer survivors or a celebrity advocating for greater awareness of the disease. In contrast, none of the lung cancer articles and reports analyzed included a lung cancer survivor story, likely contributing to the negative favorability rating. Moreover, of the four cancers analyzed, lung cancer garnered the lowest volume of stories discussing treatment.
Across all four cancers, media reporting on cancer research increased since the 2004 report, accounting for 39 percent of coverage. Cancer treatment remained an important topic for all cancers.
"CancerCare works with lung cancer patients and survivors every day, and we know a lung cancer diagnosis can be frightening for patients, families and caregivers," said Win Boerckel, CancerCare's National Lung Cancer Program coordinator. "We encourage the press to consider how they report on lung cancer, specifically the prominence of smoking as a risk factor, and to include survivor stories and resources when possible."
Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in men and women (after prostate and breast, respectively). Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related death in both men and women. There are more than 50,000 people who survive lung cancer each year.
Important findings from the analysis include:
Cancer research was the most discussed issue in cancer coverage during the 2007–2008 period
Of the four cancers, lung cancer had the greatest increase in coverage volume between this period and last period
Positive message penetration—that is, stories carrying at least one positive message—declined from 36 percent during the 1999–2000 period to only 28 percent in 2007–2008
Of the four cancers analyzed, lung cancer garnered the lowest percentage of stories discussing treatment (24 percent)
No lung cancer survivors were quoted in the lung cancer coverage analyzed for the 2007–2008 period
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Edible Healing
By PREVENTION
A doctor with a malignant tumor sets out to find his cure. And comes back with dinner.
By David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD
My Diagnosis
Diagnosed with brain cancer 16 years ago, David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD was told by his oncologist that changing his diet would not impact his results.
He was determined to prove his doctor wrong. Through months of research and traveling the globe, he discovered a multitude of cancer-fighting foods that helped him live a longer, healthier life. Now, you can benefit, too. Add one or more of these foods to every meal to optimize your full potential to prevent and fight cancer.
Doctor's Orders
How I fought my diagnosis
I was diagnosed with brain cancer about 16 years ago. I received chemotherapy and went into remission, but the cancer came back and I endured two surgeries and 13 months of chemotherapy. I asked my oncologist if I ought to change my diet to avoid another recurrence. His answer was perfectly stereotypical: "Eat what you like. It won't make much difference."
He was wrong.
The extensive research published in the last decade alone proves that what you eat can have a profound effect on your protection against cancer. But my doctor's answer was hardly surprising. It's a little-known fact that nutrition is barely taught in med schools, where the solution to most problems is a drug. And doctors don't trust patients to make lifestyle changes. I recall a conversation with a fellow physician at a conference after I spoke on the importance of a healthy diet in fighting disease. "You may be right, David, but people don't want to change," he said. "They just want to take a pill and forget about it." I don't know whether he's right, but after all the study I've done, I know it isn't true for me.
Quest for Change
Discovering cancer-fighting foods
I spent months researching the healing powers of food before I fully grasped my own natural cancer-fighting potential. I met with a variety of researchers, scoured medical databases, and combed scientific publications. I traveled all over the world and consulted experts from nearly every continent.
In my quest, I discovered that the list of anticancer foods is actually quite long. Some foods block natural bodily processes such as inflammation that fuels cancer growth. Others force cancer cells to die through a process that specialists call apoptosis. Still other foods assist the body in detoxifying cancer-causing toxins or protecting against free radicals. But most of them attack the disease on a variety of fronts. And they do it every day, three times a day, without provoking any side effects. To avoid the disease, it's essential to take advantage of this natural protection, and nurture it.
Anticancer Diet
Disease-proof your life
I've learned that the anticancer diet is the exact opposite of the typical American meal: mostly colorful vegetables and legumes, plus unsaturated fats (olive, canola, or flaxseed oils), garlic, herbs, and spices. Meat and eggs are optional. Through extensive research, I devised a list of the most promising cancer fighters, along with recommendations on how to make the most of their potential. Include at least one, and preferably two, at every meal, to maximize your protection.
A Health-Boosting Beverage
Best drinks for bettering your body
Japanese Green Tea // Green tea is rich in compounds called polyphenols, including catechins (and particularly EGCG), which reduce the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors. It's also a powerful antioxidant and detoxifier (activating enzymes in the liver that eliminate toxins from the body), and it encourages cancer cell death. In the laboratory, it has even been shown to increase the effect of radiation on cancer cells.
Japanese green tea (sencha, gyokuro, matcha, etc.) contains more EGCG than common varieties of Chinese green tea, making it the most potent source on the market; look in Asian groceries and tea shops. Black and oolong teas, commonly used to produce popular tea blends such as Earl Grey, are less effective because they've been fermented, which destroys a large proportion of their polyphenols. Decaffeinated green teas, which retain the polyphenols despite the process of decaffeination, are also an option if you're sensitive to caffeine.
How to Drink It: Sip 2 to 3 cups a day within an hour of brewing. Green tea must be steeped for at least 5 to 8 minutes--ideally 10--to release its catechins, but it loses its beneficial polyphenols after an hour or two.
Pomegranate Juice
This juice, which tastes like raspberries, has been used in Persian medicine for thousands of years. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are well confirmed; studies show it can substantially reduce the development of even the most aggressive prostate cancers (among others). In addition, drinking it daily slows the spread of an established prostate cancer by more than 50%.
How to Drink It: Have 8 ounces daily with breakfast.
Best Seasonings Two Tumor-Tackling Spices Season liberally for anti-inflammatory benefits
Fresh ginger, or gingerroot, is a powerful anti-inflammatory that combats certain cancer cells and helps slow tumor growth. A ginger infusion can also alleviate nausea from chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
How to Use It: Add grated fresh ginger to a vegetable stir-fry or fruit salad. Or, make an infusion by slicing a 1-inch piece of ginger and steeping it in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes; drink hot or cold.
Turmeric
Found in curry powder, this spice is the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory available today. It encourages cancer cell death, inhibits tumor growth, and even enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Some research shows that turmeric is most effective in humans when it's mixed with black pepper and dissolved in oil (olive or canola, preferably). In store-bought curry mixes, turmeric represents only 20% of the total, so it's better to obtain ground turmeric directly from a spice shop.
How to Use It: Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a teaspoon of olive oil and a generous pinch of ground black pepper and add to vegetables, soups, and salad dressings. Use a tablespoon if you already have cancer. If it tastes too bitter for you, add a few drops of honey or agave nectar.
Vital Veggies
Stock a cancer-fighting shopping cart
Brussels sprouts, bok choy, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower all contain sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinols (I3Cs), two potent anticancer molecules. These molecules help the body detoxify certain carcinogenic substances and can help prevent precancerous cells from developing into malignant tumors. They also promote the suicide of cancer cells and block tumor growth.
How to Prepare Them: Cover and steam briefly or stir-fry rapidly with a little olive oil. Avoid boiling cabbage and broccoli, which destroys their cancer-fighting compounds.
Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Shallots, Chives
The sulfur compounds found in this group (the alliaceous family) promote the death of colon, breast, lung, and prostate cancer cells. Epidemiological studies also suggest a lower risk of kidney and prostate cancer in people who consume the most garlic.
How to Eat Them: The active compounds in garlic are released when you crush the clove, and they're much more easily absorbed if they're combined with a small amount of oil. Sauté chopped garlic and onions in a little olive oil, mix with steamed or stir-fried vegetables, and toss with black pepper and turmeric. They can also be consumed raw, mixed in salads, or layered on sandwiches.
Proteins for a Better Prognosis
Sub out chicken and meat to prevent disease
Compounds called isoflavones (including genistein, daidzein, and glycitein) prevent tumor growth and block the stimulation of cancer cells by sex hormones (such as estrogens and testosterone). There are significantly fewer breast cancer cases among Asian women who have eaten soy since adolescence, and when they do have breast cancer, their tumors are usually less aggressive with higher survival rates. Isoflavone supplements (in pill form) have been associated with an aggravation of certain breast cancers, but whole soy, eaten as food, has not.
How to Eat It: Replace conventional milk products with soy milk or soy yogurts for breakfast. Also, use tofu, tempeh, and miso in soups and stir-fries.
Fatty Fish
The risk of several cancers is significantly lower in people who eat fish at least twice a week. Several studies discovered that the anti-inflammatory long-chain omega-3s found in fatty fish (or in high-quality purified fish-oil supplements) can help slow cancer cell growth in a large number of tumors (lung, breast, colon, prostate, kidney, etc.).
How to Eat It: Have a seafood-based meal two or three times a week. Choose small fish, such as anchovies, small mackerel, and sardines (including canned sardines, provided they are preserved in olive oil and not in sunflower oil, which is too rich in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats). Small fish contain fewer environmental toxins such as PCBs and mercury. Wild salmon is also a good source of omega-3 fats, and the level of contamination is still acceptable. Choose fresh over frozen whenever possible, because omega-3 content degrades over time.
Disease-Fighting Fruits
Fresh and frozen varieties provide year-round protection
Oranges, tangerines, lemons, and grapefruit contain anti-inflammatory compounds called flavonoids that stimulate the detoxification of carcinogens by the liver. Certain flavonoids in the skin of tangerines--tangeritin and nobiletin--can also help promote the death of brain cancer cells.
How to Eat It: Sprinkle grated citrus zest (from organic fruits) into salad dressings or breakfast cereals, or steep in tea or hot water. Eat whole fruits out of hand, toss with other fruits in a salad, or use in a salsa to season grilled fish.
Berries
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries contain ellagic acid and a large number of polyphenols, which inhibit tumor growth. Two polyphenols found in berries, anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, promote cancer cell death.
How to Eat Them: At breakfast, mix fruit with soy milk and multigrain cereals. (The best cereal options combine oats, bran, flaxseed, rye, barley, spelt, and so on.) Frozen berries are just as potent as fresh.
Cure It with Dessert
Enjoy antioxidant-rich dark chocolate
Chocolates containing over 70% cocoa provide a number of antioxidants, proanthocyanidins, and many polyphenols. In fact, a square of dark chocolate contains twice as many as a glass of red wine and almost as many as a cup of green tea properly steeped. These molecules slow the growth of cancer cells and limit the blood vessels that feed them.
How to Eat It: Enjoy about one-fifth of a dark chocolate bar a day guilt free. Milk chocolate isn't a good alternative because dairy cancels out the cancer protection of the polyphenol compounds.
To date, there is no alternative approach that can cure cancer, and I believe that the best of conventional medicine--surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and soon, molecular genetics--must be used to treat this disease. But to neglect your own natural cancer-fighting capacity is folly. I've kept cancer at bay for 8 years now, and I attribute my survival largely to the changes I've made in my diet and lifestyle. I exercise and meditate more and eat wholesome anticancer foods on a daily basis. Still, the medical establishment is slow to embrace this approach. After my last screening at the university's cancer center, I stopped at the cafeteria and discovered eight different types of tea: Darjeeling, Earl Grey, chamomile, and several fruit-flavored herbal teas. Sadly, there was not a single packet of green tea in the lot.
Adapted by arrangement with Viking, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. From ANTICANCER, A NEW WAY OF LIFE by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD, published in September 2008. Copyright by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD, 2008.
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Connie.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Although I did not know Pat, my heart aches for this loss and for her family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with Tim and the rest of the family at this very difficult time. What an inspirational gesture on his part to continue the work that was so important to Pat.
Christine
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Hi Sarah,
It's so good to hear from you. I am sorry about the depression, but hope that will lift soon for you.
I don't have the big dogs anymore, traded down, lol, and have a "herd" of mini dachshunds now. But trust me, they are just as hazardous since I seem to trip over them constantly!
I hope you will continue to post and keep us up to date with you!
Hugs
Christine
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Rana
I am so sorry things have progressed to this point. Thankfully it sounds as if your Mom is pretty comfortable and her pain is in control.
I wonder, if you are not able to bring the subjects up and Mom is not wanting to talk about them, could you sit down and compose a letter to her and tell her what you are feeling that way? It may open the door for her to feel better about discussing things with you.
If you haven't already, you can always phone the Hospice office and speak to them about the end. They have wonderful resources that will help you understand what is happening. Our experience with Hospice was very, very brief but we are so grateful that we had them involved.
Please keep posting and know we are here for you.
Sending many hugs and prayers your way,
Christine
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A Special Message for Cancer Patients Seeking "Alternative" Treatments
Don't let desperation lead you to try things just because someone advises you to do so. Read the information on this web site thoroughly. We strongly recommend that you avoid any "alternative" cancer treatment discussed on Quackwatch. If you or someone you know investigate or pursue any such treatment, please share your experience with us. Your name and report will remain confidential.
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Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Treatment: Questions and Answers
Key Points
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine (see Question 1).
It is important that the same scientific evaluation that is used to assess conventional approaches be used to evaluate CAM therapies (see Question 3).
The National Cancer Institute and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine are sponsoring or cosponsoring various clinical trials (research studies) to study CAM therapies for cancer (see Question 5).
It is important that patients inform all of their health care providers about any therapies they are currently using or considering. This is to help ensure a safe and coordinated course of care (see Question 7).
What is complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. Other terms for conventional medicine include allopathy; Western, mainstream, orthodox, and regular medicine; and biomedicine. Some conventional medical practitioners are also practitioners of CAM.
This fact sheet answers some frequently asked questions about the use of CAM therapies among the general public, and about how CAM approaches are evaluated, and suggests sources for further information.
Are complementary and alternative therapies widely used?
The results of studies of CAM use have been inconsistent. One large-scale study published in the November 11, 1998, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that CAM use among the general public increased from 33.8 percent in 1990 to 42.1 percent in 1997. However, an analysis of data from the 1999 National Health Interview Survey indicated that only 28.9 percent of U.S. adults (age 18 and over) had used at least one CAM therapy in the past year. These results were published in the journal Medical Care in 2002.
Several surveys of CAM use by cancer patients have been conducted with small numbers of patients. One study published in the February 2000 issue of the journal Cancer reported that 37 percent of 46 patients with prostate cancer used one or more CAM therapies as part of their cancer treatment. These therapies included herbal remedies, vitamins, and special diets.
A larger study of CAM use in patients with different types of cancer was published in the July 2000 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. This study found that 69 percent of 453 cancer patients had used at least one CAM therapy as part of their cancer treatment. Additional information about CAM use among cancer patients can be found in a review article published in Seminars in Oncology in December 2002.
How are CAM approaches evaluated?
It is important that the same rigorous scientific evaluation used to assess conventional approaches be used to evaluate CAM therapies. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and NCCAM are funding a number of clinical trials (research studies) at medical centers to evaluate CAM therapies for cancer.
Conventional approaches to cancer treatment have generally been studied for safety and effectiveness through a rigorous scientific process that includes clinical trials with large numbers of patients. Less is known about the safety and effectiveness of complementary and alternative methods. Some CAM therapies have undergone rigorous evaluation. A small number of CAM therapies originally considered to be purely alternative approaches are finding a place in cancer treatment—not as cures, but as complementary therapies that may help patients feel better and recover faster. One example is acupuncture. According to a panel of experts at a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference in November 1997, acupuncture has been found to be effective in the management of chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting and in controlling pain associated with surgery. In contrast, some approaches, such as the use of laetrile, have been studied and found ineffective or potentially harmful.
What is the Best Case Series Program?
The Best Case Series Program, which was started by the NCI in 1991, is one way CAM approaches that are being used in practice are being evaluated. The program is overseen by the NCI’s Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM). Health care professionals who offer CAM services submit their patients’ medical records and related materials to OCCAM. OCCAM conducts a critical review of the materials and develops follow-up research strategies for approaches that have therapeutic potential.
Are the NCI and NCCAM sponsoring clinical trials in complementary and alternative medicine?
The NCI and NCCAM are currently sponsoring or cosponsoring various clinical trials to study complementary and alternative treatments for cancer. Some of these trials study the effects of complementary approaches used in addition to conventional treatments, while others compare alternative therapies with conventional treatments. Current trials include the following:
Acupuncture to reduce the symptoms of advanced colorectal cancer
Combination chemotherapy plus radiation therapy with or without shark cartilage in the treatment of patients who have non-small cell lung cancer that cannot be removed by surgery
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy with laryngectomy patients (people who have had an operation to remove all or part of the larynx (voice box))
Massage therapy for cancer-related fatigue
Chemotherapy compared with pancreatic enzyme therapy plus specialized diet for the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Mistletoe extract and chemotherapy for the treatment of solid tumors
Patients who are interested in taking part in these or any clinical trials should talk with their doctor.
The NCI, NCCAM, and OCCAM clinical trials databases offer patients, family members, and health professionals information about research studies that use CAM. Clinical trials can be found by searching:
The NCI’s PDQ® Clinical Trials Database—The PDQ Clinical Trials database can be searched at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search using such criteria as cancer type, type of trial, geographic region, trial sponsorship, and/or drug name. This information is also available by calling the NCI’s Cancer Information Service (see below).
The NCCAM Clinical Trials Web page—Clinical trials can be searched by type of treatment or disease at http://nccam.nih.gov/clinicaltrials/ on the Internet.
The OCCAM Clinical Trials Web page—Links are provided to the NCI’s clinical trials databases at http://www.cancer.gov/cam/clinicaltrials_intro.html on the Internet.
What should patients do when using or considering complementary and alternative therapies?
Cancer patients using or considering complementary or alternative therapy should discuss this decision with their doctor or nurse, as they would any therapeutic approach. Some complementary and alternative therapies may interfere with standard treatment or may be harmful when used with conventional treatment. It is also a good idea to become informed about the therapy, including whether the results of scientific studies support the claims that are made for it. Some resources for this information are provided in Question 8.
When considering complementary and alternative therapies, what questions should patients ask their health care providers?
What benefits can be expected from this therapy?
What are the risks associated with this therapy?
Do the known benefits outweigh the risks?
What side effects can be expected?
Will the therapy interfere with conventional treatment?
Is this therapy part of a clinical trial? If so, who is sponsoring the trial?
Will the therapy be covered by health insurance?
Further information on evaluating CAM therapies and practitioners is available from NCCAM (see below).
What Federal agencies can provide more information about CAM therapies?
Patients, their families, and their health care providers can learn about CAM therapies from the following Government agencies and resources:
NCCAM is the Federal Government’s lead agency for scientific research on CAM. NCCAM is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, training CAM researchers, and disseminating authoritative information to the public and professionals.
The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on NCCAM and on CAM, including fact sheets, other publications, and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. Publications include:
“Are You Considering Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?” (http://nccam.nih.gov/health/decisions)
“Selecting a Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practitioner” (http://nccam.nih.gov/health/practitioner)
“Consumer Financial Issues in Complementary and Alternative Medicine” (http://nccam.nih.gov/health/financial/index.htm)
The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.
NCCAM Clearinghouse
Post Office Box 7923
Gaithersburg, MD 20898–7923
Toll-free in the United States: 1–888–644–6226
International: 301–519–3153
Callers with TTY equipment: 1–866–464–3615
Fax: 1–866–464–3616
Fax-on-Demand service: 1–888–644–6226
E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
Web site: http://nccam.nih.gov
The NCI’s Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) coordinates the activities of the NCI in the area of complementary and alternative medicine. OCCAM supports CAM cancer research and provides information about cancer-related CAM to health providers and the general public via http://www.cancer.gov/cam on the Internet.
NCI’s PDQ, a comprehensive cancer information database, contains peer-reviewed summaries of the latest information about the use of CAM in the treatment of cancer. Each summary contains background information about the specific treatment, a brief history of its development, information about relevant research studies, and a glossary of scientific and medical terms. CAM summaries can be accessed at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/cam on the Internet.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates drugs and medical devices to ensure that they are safe and effective. This agency provides a number of publications for consumers, including information about dietary supplements.
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Telephone: 1–888–463–6332 (toll-free)
Web site: http://www.fda.gov/
FDA’s Dietary Supplements Web page:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/supplmnt.html
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces consumer protection laws and offers publications to guide consumers. The FTC also collects information about fraudulent claims.
Consumer Response Center
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. H–130
Washington, DC 20580
Telephone: 1–877–382–4357 (1–877–FTC–HELP ) (toll-free)
Callers with TTY equipment: 202–326–2502
Web site: http://www.ftc.gov/
CAM on PubMed®, a database accessible via the Internet, was developed jointly by NCCAM and the NIH National Library of Medicine (NLM). It contains bibliographic citations (from 1966 to the present) for articles in scientifically based, peer-reviewed journals on CAM. These citations are a subset of the NLM’s PubMed system, which contains over 11 million journal citations from the MEDLINE® database and additional life science journals important to health researchers, practitioners, and consumers. CAM on PubMed also displays links to many publisher Web sites, which may offer the full text of articles. To access CAM on PubMed, go to http://nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ on the Internet.
MedlinePlus®, a tool provided by the NLM, is a searchable database of health information. The Drug, Supplements, and Herbal Information section has extensive information about dietary and herbal supplements, as well as drugs. This resource is available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html on the Internet.
References
Bennett M, Lengacher C. Use of complementary therapies in a rural cancer population. Oncology Nursing Forum 1999; 26(
:1287–1294. Cassileth BR, Chapman CC. Alternative and complementary cancer therapies. Cancer 1996; 77(6):1026–1034.
Eisenberg DM, Davis RB, Ettner SL, et al. Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, 1990–1997. Results of a follow-up national survey. Journal of the American Medical Association 1998; 280(18):1569–1575.
Kao GD, Devine P. Use of complementary health practices by prostate carcinoma patients undergoing radiation therapy. Cancer 2000; 88(3):615–619.
Nelson W. Alternative cancer treatments. Highlights in Oncology Practice 1998; 15(4):85–93.
Ni H, Simile C, Hardy AM. Utilization of complementary and alternative medicine by United States adults: Results from the 1999 national health interview survey. Medical Care 2002; 40(4):353–358.
Richardson MA, Sanders T, Palmer JL, Greisinger A, Singletary SE. Complementary/alternative medicine use in a comprehensive cancer center and the implications for oncology. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2000; 18(13):2505–2514.
Richardson MA, Straus SE. Complementary and alternative medicine: Opportunities and challenges for cancer management and research. Seminars in Oncology 2002; 29(6):531–545.
Sparber A, Bauer L, Curt G, et al. Use of complementary medicine by adult patients participating in cancer clinical trials. Oncology Nursing Forum 2000; 27(4):623–630.
White JD. Complementary, alternative, and unproven methods of cancer treatment. In: DeVita VT Jr., Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, editors. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. Vol. 1 and 2. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2001.
# # #
Related Resources
Publications (available at http://www.cancer.gov/publications)
Thinking About Complementary and Alternative Medicine—A Guide for People With Cancer 1
National Cancer Institute (NCI) Resources
Cancer Information Service (toll-free)
Telephone: 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237)
TTY: 1–800–332–8615
Online
NCI’s Web site: http://www.cancer.gov
LiveHelp, NCI’s live online assistance:
https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/livehelp/welcome.asp
Glossary Terms
acupuncture (AK-yoo-PUNK-cher)
The technique of inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain and other symptoms. It is a type of complementary and alternative medicine.
alternative medicine (all-TER-nuh-tiv MEH-dih-sin)
Practices used instead of standard treatments. They generally are not recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches. Examples of alternative medicine include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation.
CAM
Forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices generally are not considered standard medical approaches. Standard treatments go through a long and careful research process to prove they are safe and effective, but less is known about most types of CAM. CAM may include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. Also called complementary and alternative medicine.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.
Cancer Information Service
The Cancer Information Service is the National Cancer Institute's link to the public, interpreting and explaining research findings in a clear and understandable manner, and providing personalized responses to specific questions about cancer. Access the CIS by calling 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), or by using the LiveHelp instant-messaging service at https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/livehelp/welcome.asp. Also called CIS.
cartilage (KAR-tih-lij)
A tough, flexible tissue that lines joints and gives structure to the nose, ears, larynx, and other parts of the body.
case series
A group or series of case reports involving patients who were given similar treatment. Reports of case series usually contain detailed information about the individual patients. This includes demographic information (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin) and information on diagnosis, treatment, response to treatment, and follow-up after treatment.
chemotherapy (KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
clinical trial
A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study.
colorectal cancer (KOH-loh-REK-tul KAN-ser)
Cancer that develops in the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) and/or the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine before the anus).
combination chemotherapy (KOM-bih-NAY-shun KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment using more than one anticancer drug.
complementary and alternative medicine (KOM-pleh-MEN- tuh-ree... all-TER-nuh-tiv MEH-dih-sin)
Forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices generally are not considered standard medical approaches. Standard treatments go through a long and careful research process to prove they are safe and effective, but less is known about most types of CAM. CAM may include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. Also called CAM.
complementary medicine (KOM-pleh-MEN-tuh-ree MEH-dih-sin)
Practices often used to enhance or complement standard treatments. They generally are not recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches. Complementary medicine may include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation.
conventional treatment
A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of disease, based on the results of past research. Also called conventional therapy.
dietary supplement (DY-uh-TAYR-ee SUH-pleh-ment)
A product that is added to the diet. A dietary supplement is taken by mouth, and usually contains one or more dietary ingredient (such as vitamin, mineral, herb, amino acid, and enzyme). Also called nutritional supplement.
drug
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
fatigue
A condition marked by extreme tiredness and inability to function due lack of energy. Fatigue may be acute or chronic.
hyperbaric oxygen (HY-per-BAYR-ik OK-sih-jen)
Oxygen that is at an atmospheric pressure higher than the pressure at sea level. Breathing hyperbaric oxygen to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy is being studied.
laetrile (LAY-eh-tril)
A substance found in the pits of many fruits such as apricots and papayas, and in other foods. It has been tried in some countries as a treatment for cancer, but it has not been shown to work in clinical studies. Laetrile is not approved for use in the United States. Also called amygdalin.
laryngectomy (LA-rin-JEK-toh-mee)
An operation to remove all or part of the larynx (voice box).
larynx (LAYR-inks)
The area of the throat containing the vocal cords and used for breathing, swallowing, and talking. Also called voice box.
mistletoe
A semiparasitic plant that grows on some types of trees. Mistletoe extracts are being studied as treatments for cancer.
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal Government's principal agency for cancer research. The National Cancer Institute conducts, coordinates, and funds cancer research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. Access the National Cancer Institute Web site at http://www.cancer.gov. Also called NCI.
National Institutes of Health
A federal agency in the U.S. that conducts biomedical research in its own laboratories; supports the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad; helps in the training of research investigators; and fosters communication of medical information. Access the National Institutes of Health Web site at http://www.nih.gov. Also called NIH.
nausea
A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit. Nausea is a side effect of some types of cancer therapy.
non-small cell lung cancer
A group of lung cancers that are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look under a microscope. The three main types of non-small cell lung cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common kind of lung cancer.
nurse
A health professional trained to care for people who are ill or disabled.
pancreatic cancer (pan-kree-AT-ic KAN-ser)
A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the pancreas. Also called exocrine cancer.
pancreatic enzyme
A protein secreted by the pancreas that aids in the digestion of food.
PDQ
PDQ is an online database developed and maintained by the National Cancer Institute. Designed to make the most current, credible, and accurate cancer information available to health professionals and the public, PDQ contains peer-reviewed summaries on cancer treatment, screening, prevention, genetics, complementary and alternative medicine, and supportive care; a registry of cancer clinical trials from around the world; and directories of physicians, professionals who provide genetics services, and organizations that provide cancer care. Most of this information, and more specific information about PDQ, can be found on the NCI's Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq. Also called Physician Data Query.
physical therapist
A health professional who teaches exercises and physical activities that help condition muscles and restore strength and movement.
prostate cancer (PROS-tayt KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.
psychologist (sy-KAH-loh-jist)
A specialist who can talk with patients and their families about emotional and personal matters, and can help them make decisions.
radiation therapy (RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee)
The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called irradiation and radiotherapy.
side effect
A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.
solid tumor
An abnormal mass of tissue that usually does not contain cysts or liquid areas. Solid tumors may be benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Different types of solid tumors are named for the type of cells that form them. Examples of solid tumors are sarcomas, carcinomas, and lymphomas. Leukemias (cancers of the blood) generally do not form solid tumors.
standard therapy (...THAYR-uh-pee)
In medicine, treatment that experts agree is appropriate, accepted, and widely used. Health care providers are obligated to provide patients with standard therapy. Also called best practice and standard of care.
surgery (SER-juh-ree)
A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.
symptom
An indication that a person has a condition or disease. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
therapeutic (THAYR-uh-PYOO-tik)
Having to do with treating disease and helping healing take place.
vitamin
A key nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to grow and stay strong. Examples are vitamins A, C, and E.
vomit
To eject some or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
Table of Links
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Alternative cancer treatments: 11 alternative treatments worth a try
Alternative cancer treatments can't cure your cancer, but they may provide some relief from signs and symptoms..............................................
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Sue
Thank you for the update!! So glad that Mom is out of ICU now! Progress and baby steps!
Please let her know I am praying and praying!! For you all
Love and Hugs
Chris
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Colleen
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am so happy for you!
Christine
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Hello Reed and welcome to LCSC
I am sorry you had need to find a site like this but glad you have joined us!
I cannot add to the advice you have gotten already but I wanted to say hello and welcome you. Please keep posting and let us know how we can help you.
There is always someone here who can offer some advice or suggestions or even just listen when you need to talk to someone who understands...
Warmly,
Christine
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Thanks so much for the hugs and the wishes for today.
Mom and I had a good day of “bonding” I suppose you could call it. The drive to the Veterans Administration where the ceremony was being held was about an hour and a half so we had time to just visit and catch up on the way there.
We were pleasantly surprised by the turnout for the service as there were not too many empty seats. There were even fewer dry eyes in the place by the time it was over….. It was a simple remembrance ceremony but so packed full of emotion and pride as well as a good deal of pain. To have been a part of this under normal circumstances would be an awesome experience but to be a part of this, having Jerry recognized for his service to this country as well as his untimely death AND being the mother of a serviceman on top of it and knowing that deployment for my son is simply a matter of time? It was a bit overwhelming to be honest.
Mom was just amazing. She held it together until they played Taps.. We both had a tough time with that but at the end, as we were filing out of the building a man behind us tapped Mom on the shoulder and offered his condolences. He had very, very recently lost his father. He handed Mom a small American Flag and asked her to please put it on Jerry’s grave for him. That was just more than enough to start the tears….. I think this is the first time Mom has been able to grieve, I mean really and truly grieve……
Anyway, the ceremony is over. I am home and going to have a glass of wine and relax and reflect….
Thanks again to those of you who thought of Mom and I today…
Christine
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Thanks guys.. Yes it will be emotional and difficult on so many levels. Mom is doing so well, finally having gotten her bearings so to speak and she has been keeping busy and not panicking if I am not right there. (A welcome relief for me!)
I think it would be so much easier to deal with this ceremony and the recognition had the entire lung cancer nightmare been dealt with more competently. However we will go and we will be grateful that the local affiliation is doing this. (Keep in mind this IS the local hospital and not the one in Albany, NY doing this.)
I will definitely post and let you know how it goes.. and thanks so much for the encouragement and compassion. This is doubly hard as my oldest son is in the military and I really hope and pray that if the time ever comes that he needs veterans services he won't be treated as lousy as Jerry was.
Hugs to all
Chris
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Here’s an ironic twist of fate. Not sure how many of you remember the nightmare we endured when my step dad was so sick and in the VA hospital in Albany. We fought tooth and nail just to get answers and a diagnosis, never mind adequate care and treatment for him. Just too sad and tragic…
Anyway, Mom and I will be going to the local Veterans Hospital to attend a special memorial service in honour of fallen veterans. While these ceremonies will be taking place all over this country as well as many others, this one is ironic and bittersweet on many levels.
For this ceremony, Mom received a special invitation from the Hospital chaplain, stating that Jerry is being recognized in a special way.
I am very grateful for Mom that her loss is being validated and that this organization is doing something to attempt to make up for their inadequacies in his treatment but how sad that it had to go this way.
Just thought I would share this…..
Christine
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Hi everyone,
I had a call from Patti this afternoon and she is doing "ok". She is still in a lot of pain with her hip and still on the pain meds for that but has finished the radiation and is now waiting for it to work its magic and hopefully take care of the horrible pain she has.
In the meantime, her computer is down and she is hoping that it will be repaired soon. She has the guy coming to look at it tomorrow and hopes to be back online!
I told her I would post and let everyone know where she has been and how she is doing.
Christine
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Karen
Please know my thoughts will be with you. Have a safe trip and let us know how things go.
Hugs
Christine
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Many thoughts and prayers for good results! Will be waiting to hear how it goes.
Christine
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Hello Jeff and welcome to LCSC
Thanks for sharing that link! Could you share some information with us about yourself? We'd love to know how we can help you.
Warmly
Christine
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((((Sue))))
Contined thoughts and prayers for you and Mom as well as the family.
Much love
Chris
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I am bumping this once again and hoping we will hear from more of our survivors!!
This place is just too quiet lately and it would be so good to hear from more of you.
It is always so wonderful to hear from the members who are doing well and out living life and those stories add such inspiration and hope to our newer members.
Hugs
Christine
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I am so very sorry about your Mom. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere sympathies and condolences to you all.
With warm hugs,
Christine
:1287–1294. 
My sister
in INTRODUCE YOURSELF!
Posted
Good Morning Hope and welcome
I am sorry about your need to find a site like this but glad you have joined us.
I can't really add much to the advice you've gotten already but wanted to say hello.
Is there any possibility of your sister coming on board here and joining us? It might be very, very helpful for her to talk to some of the members here who have been through this and get some advice and idea of what she can be asking her doctors and nurses about.
Please keep posting as we are here for you!
Lots of hugs and prayers
Christine