How can cancer be treated? Is cancer curable? what are the remedies for cancer ?

Whats cancer:-

Cancer (medical term: malignant neoplasm) is a class of diseases in which a group of cells display the traits of uncontrolled growth (growth and division beyond the normal limits), invasion (intrusion on and destruction of adjacent tissues), and sometimes metastasis (spread to other locations in the body via lymph or blood). These three malignant properties of cancers differentiate them from benign tumors, which are self-limited, do not invade or metastasize. Most cancers form a tumor but some, like leukemia, do not.

Cancer may affect people at all ages, even fetuses, but risk for the more common varieties tends to increase with age.^[1] Cancer causes about 13% of all deaths.^[2] According to the American Cancer Society, 7.6 million people died from cancer in the world during 2007.^[3] Cancers can affect other animals besides humans, and plants, too.

Nearly all cancers are caused by abnormalities in the genetic material of the transformed cells. These abnormalities may be due to the effects of carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, chemicals, or infectious agents. Other cancer-promoting genetic abnormalities may be randomly acquired through errors in DNA replication, or are inherited, and thus present in all cells from birth. Complex interactions between carcinogens and the host genome may explain why only some develop cancer after exposure to a known carcinogen. New aspects of the genetics of cancer pathogenesis, such as DNA methylation, and microRNAs are increasingly being recognized as important.

Genetic abnormalities found in cancer typically affect two general classes of genes. Cancer-promoting oncogenes are often activated in cancer cells, giving those cells new properties, such as hyperactive growth and division, protection against programmed cell death, loss of respect for normal tissue boundaries, and the ability to become established in diverse tissue environments. Tumor suppressor genes are often inactivated in cancer cells, resulting in the loss of normal functions in those cells, such as accurate DNA replication, control over the cell cycle, orientation and adhesion within tissues, and interaction with protective cells of the immune system.

Cancer is usually classified according to the tissue from which the cancerous cells originate, the primary tumor, as well as the normal cell type they most resemble. These are location and histology, respectively. A definitive diagnosis usually requires the histologic examination of a tissue biopsy specimen by a pathologist, although the initial indication of malignancy can be symptoms or radiographic imaging abnormalities. Most cancers can be treated and some cured, depending on the specific type, location, and stage. Once diagnosed, cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As research develops, treatments are becoming more specific for different varieties of cancer. There has been significant progress in the development of targeted therapy drugs that act specifically on detectable molecular abnormalities in certain tumors, and which minimize damage to normal cells. The prognosis of cancer patients is most influenced by the type of cancer, as well as the stage, or extent of the disease. In addition, histologic grading and the presence of specific molecular markers can also be useful in establishing prognosis, as well as in determining individual treatments.

List of all types of cancers:-

A

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Adult
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Childhood
Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Adult
Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Childhood
Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Adrenocortical Carcinoma, Childhood
AIDS-Related Cancers
AIDS-Related Lymphoma
Anal Cancer
Appendix Cancer
Astrocytoma, Childhood Cerebellar
Astrocytoma, Childhood Cerebral

B

Basal Cell Carcinoma, see Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)
Bile Duct Cancer, Extrahepatic
Bladder Cancer
Bladder Cancer, Childhood
Bone Cancer, Osteosarcoma and Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma
Brain Stem Glioma, Childhood
Brain Tumor, Adult
Brain Tumor, Brain Stem Glioma, Childhood
Brain Tumor, Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors, Childhood (See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)
Brain Tumor, Cerebellar Astrocytoma, Childhood
Brain Tumor, Cerebral Astrocytoma/Malignant Glioma, Childhood
Brain Tumor, Ependymoblastoma, Childhood (See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)
Brain Tumor, Ependymoma, Childhood
Brain Tumor, Medulloblastoma, Childhood
Brain Tumor, Medulloepithelioma, Childhood (See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)
Brain Tumor, Pineal Parenchymal Tumors of Intermediate Differentiation, Childhood (See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)
Brain Tumor, Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors and Pineoblastoma, Childhood
Brain Tumor, Visual Pathway and Hypothalamic Glioma, Childhood
Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors, Childhood (Other)
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer and Pregnancy
Breast Cancer, Childhood
Breast Cancer, Male
Bronchial Tumors, Childhood
Burkitt Lymphoma

C

Carcinoid Tumor, Childhood
Carcinoid Tumor,Gastrointestinal
Carcinoma of Unknown Primary
Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors, Childhood (See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)
Central Nervous System Lymphoma, Primary
Cerebellar Astrocytoma, Childhood
Cerebral Astrocytoma/Malignant Glioma, Childhood
Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer, Childhood
Childhood Cancers
Chordoma, Childhood
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders
Colon Cancer
Colorectal Cancer, Childhood
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, see Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome

D

[No Entries]

E

Embryonal Tumors, Central Nervous System, Childhood (See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)
Endometrial Cancer
Ependymoblastoma, Childhood (See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)
Ependymoma, Childhood
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal Cancer, Childhood
Ewing Family of Tumors
Extracranial Germ Cell Tumor, Childhood
Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumor
Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer
Eye Cancer, Intraocular Melanoma
Eye Cancer, Retinoblastoma

F

[No Entries]

G

Gallbladder Cancer
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer, Childhood
Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
Gastrointestinal Stromal Cell Tumor, Childhood
Germ Cell Tumor, Extracranial, Childhood
Germ Cell Tumor, Extragonadal
Germ Cell Tumor, Ovarian
Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor
Glioma, Adult
Glioma, Childhood Brain Stem
Glioma, Childhood Cerebral Astrocytoma
Glioma, Childhood Visual Pathway and Hypothalamic

H

Hairy Cell Leukemia
Head and Neck Cancer
Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer, Adult (Primary)
Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer, Childhood (Primary)
Hodgkin Lymphoma, Adult
Hodgkin Lymphoma, Childhood
Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Hypothalamic and Visual Pathway Glioma, Childhood

I

Intraocular Melanoma
Islet Cell Tumors (Endocrine Pancreas)

J

[No Entries]

K

Kaposi Sarcoma
Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer
Kidney Cancer, Childhood

L

Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal Cancer, Childhood
Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic, Adult
Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic, Childhood
Leukemia, Acute Myeloid, Adult
Leukemia, Acute Myeloid, Childhood
Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic
Leukemia, Chronic Myelogenous
Leukemia, Hairy Cell
Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer
Liver Cancer, Adult (Primary)
Liver Cancer, Childhood (Primary)
Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell
Lung Cancer, Small Cell
Lymphoma, AIDS-Related
Lymphoma, Burkitt
Lymphoma, Cutaneous T-Cell, see Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome
Lymphoma, Hodgkin, Adult
Lymphoma, Hodgkin, Childhood
Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin, Adult
Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin, Childhood
Lymphoma, Primary Central Nervous System

M

Macroglobulinemia, Waldenström
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of Bone and Osteosarcoma
Medulloblastoma, Childhood
Medulloepithelioma, Childhood (See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)
Melanoma
Melanoma, Intraocular (Eye)
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Mesothelioma, Adult Malignant
Mesothelioma, Childhood
Metastatic Squamous Neck Cancer with Occult Primary
Mouth Cancer
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome, Childhood
Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm
Mycosis Fungoides
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Diseases
Myelogenous Leukemia, Chronic
Myeloid Leukemia, Adult Acute
Myeloid Leukemia, Childhood Acute
Myeloma, Multiple
Myeloproliferative Disorders, Chronic

N

Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal Cancer, Childhood
Neuroblastoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Adult
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Childhood
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

O

Oral Cancer, Childhood
Oral Cavity Cancer, Lip and
Oropharyngeal Cancer
Osteosarcoma and Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of Bone
Ovarian Cancer, Childhood
Ovarian Epithelial Cancer
Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor
Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumor

P

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer, Childhood
Pancreatic Cancer, Islet Cell Tumors
Papillomatosis, Childhood
Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer
Parathyroid Cancer
Penile Cancer
Pharyngeal Cancer
Pheochromocytoma
Pineal Parenchymal Tumors of Intermediate Differentiation, Childhood (See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)
Pineoblastoma and Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors, Childhood
Pituitary Tumor
Plasma Cell Neoplasm/Multiple Myeloma
Pleuropulmonary Blastoma
Pregnancy and Breast Cancer
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Prostate Cancer

Q

[No Entries]

R

Rectal Cancer
Renal Cell (Kidney) Cancer
Renal Cell (Kidney) Cancer, Childhood
Renal Pelvis and Ureter, Transitional Cell Cancer
Respiratory Tract Carcinoma Involving the NUT Gene on Chromosome 15
Retinoblastoma
Rhabdomyosarcoma, Childhood

S

Salivary Gland Cancer
Salivary Gland Cancer, Childhood
Sarcoma, Ewing Family of Tumors
Sarcoma, Kaposi
Sarcoma, Soft Tissue, Adult
Sarcoma, Soft Tissue, Childhood
Sarcoma, Uterine
Sézary Syndrome
Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)
Skin Cancer, Childhood
Skin Cancer (Melanoma)
Skin Carcinoma, Merkel Cell
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small Intestine Cancer
Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Adult
Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Childhood
Squamous Cell Carcinoma, see Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)
Squamous Neck Cancer with Occult Primary, Metastatic
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer, Childhood
Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors, Childhood

T

T-Cell Lymphoma, Cutaneous, see Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome
Testicular Cancer
Throat Cancer
Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma
Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma, Childhood
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid Cancer, Childhood
Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter
Trophoblastic Tumor, Gestational

U

Unknown Primary Site, Carcinoma of, Adult
Unknown Primary Site, Cancer of, Childhood
Unusual Cancers of Childhood
Ureter and Renal Pelvis, Transitional Cell Cancer
Urethral Cancer
Uterine Cancer, Endometrial
Uterine Sarcoma

V

Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal Cancer, Childhood
Visual Pathway and Hypothalamic Glioma, Childhood
Vulvar Cancer

W

Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Wilms Tumor
Women's Cancers

X

-

Y

-

Z

-

Cancer symptoms can be divided into three groups:

• Local symptoms: unusual lumps or swelling (tumor), hemorrhage (bleeding), pain and/or ulceration. Compression of surrounding tissues may cause symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing the eyes and skin).
• Symptoms of metastasis (spreading): enlarged lymph nodes, cough and hemoptysis, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), bone pain, fracture of affected bones and neurological symptoms. Although advanced cancer may cause pain, it is often not the first symptom.
• Systemic symptoms: weight loss, poor appetite, fatigue and cachexia (wasting), excessive sweating (night sweats), anemia and specific paraneoplastic phenomena, i.e. specific conditions that are due to an active cancer, such as thrombosis or hormonal changes.

Every symptom in the above list can be caused by a variety of conditions (a list of which is referred to as the differential diagnosis). Cancer may be a common or uncommon cause of each item.

Diagnosis

Most cancers are initially recognized either because signs or symptoms appear or through screening. Neither of these lead to a definitive diagnosis, which usually requires the opinion of a pathologist, a type of physician (medical doctor) who specializes in the diagnosis of cancer and other diseases.

Investigation

People with suspected cancer are investigated with medical tests. These commonly include blood tests, X-rays, CT scans and endoscopy.

Biopsy

A cancer may be suspected for a variety of reasons, but the definitive diagnosis of most malignancies must be confirmed by histological examination of the cancerous cells by a pathologist. Tissue can be obtained from a biopsy or surgery. Many biopsies (such as those of the skin, breast or liver) can be done in a doctor's office. Biopsies of other organs are performed under anesthesia and require surgery in an operating room.

The tissue diagnosis given by the pathologist indicates the type of cell that is proliferating, its histological grade and other features of the tumor. Together, this information is useful to evaluate the prognosis of this patient and to choose the best treatment. Cytogenetics and immunohistochemistry are other types of testing that the pathologist may perform on the tissue specimen. These tests may provide information about future behavior of the cancer (prognosis) and best treatment.

Cancer Cures:-

It's unpredictable, it's uncanny. It may be lurking within a body and the body wouldn't know. Many a minor ache, quietly ignored and quickly discarded in the past, may be the begetter of that which is pernicious, lethal and detrimental to life. It shrouds itself in dubious obscurity till the time comes for it to reveal the first symptoms. All this while, the fatal cell stealthily multiplies and spreads. It disseminates its devastating influence till it aborts the very functional mechanism of the human body. Such is the effect of cancer.

But thanks to the advances made today by clinical research, cancer cures and alternative cancer treatment are available. The choice of a particular alternative cancer treatment depends on the stage of the cancerous tumor. Traditional or conventional treatment options may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. These therapies have all been tested in clinical research trials and proven to be acceptable, safe and effective, although with often unpleasant side effects.

Depending on the type of the disease, these cancer cures are used alone or in combination, to either control cancer cell growth or to eliminate the disease entirely.

Cancer is not a single disease. It is a large and complex family of malignancies that can affect virtually every organ in the body. Cancer kills one out of every four Americans, surpassed only by heart disease as the leading cause of death in this country. Over 1.2 million new cases are diagnosed every year, with half of them occurring in the lung, prostate, breast, colon and rectum. Cancer can strike at any age, although it is most common in people over 50.

There are around 200 different types of cancer. Two in five people, at some point in their lives, are susceptible to it. Cancer is the term given to a large group of diseases that vary in type and location. It is the result of a continuous, abnormal and relatively autonomous cell proliferation, which is due to the permanent alteration of some cells that gets transmitted to the cell family. It is a disease caused by the loss of control over a cell's reproduction capacity. Rather than dividing in a controlled and programed manner, the cell continues to divide and multiply abnormally, until a detectable lump or tumor develops.
This new growth can be either benign or malignant. A benign tumor does not spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body and so are not cancerous. They can often be removed and are rarely a threat to life. A malignant tumor, however, can spread and is cancerous. When this tumor spreads, its malignant cells break off and travel through the blood lymph system to other parts of the body, resulting in a secondary tumor, or metastasis. The name given to the cancer, however, is reflective of the origination of the cancer. For example, if lung cancer spreads to the brain, the disease is still called metastatic lung cancer, not brain cancer.

Both external and internal factors cause cancer. Factors such as chemicals, radiation, viruses, hormones and inherited mutations may act together to start or further cancer. Ten or more years may pass between exposure and detectable cancer.

Anyone, from children to senior citizens can get this disease. What causes cancer in the first place, and how quickly the cells grow and spread, varies from person to person. While a large number of people with cancer overcome the disease and live fulfilled lives for many years, some succumb within a few months.
The journey with cancer is a long, stressful and strenuous one. The treatment procedure itself may be detrimental to the emotional well-being of the patient. This is where complementary and alternative therapies have stepped in to offer holistic treatment. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)—also referred to as integrative medicine—includes a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches and therapies. These therapies are used in an effort to prevent illness, reduce stress, prevent or reduce side effects and symptoms, and control or cure disease.

The terms "complementary" and "alternative" are often used interchangeably, when in fact they are two different therapies. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, art therapy, counseling, massage, meditation, etc. are therapies which are given alongside conventional cancer treatments. The former, however, does not replace the latter. They play a supportive role and are only used in addition to standard treatments. Some commonly used methods of complementary therapy include mind-body control interventions such as visualization or relaxation; manual healing, including acupressure and massage; homeopathy; vitamins or herbal products; and acupuncture. Alternative therapies, on the other hand, are used instead of conventional treatments. Electromagnetic therapy, essiac (a mixture of herbs), iscador (mistletoe extract) and gerson therapy are some examples of alternative treatments.

Conventional approaches to cancer treatment have generally been studied for safety and effectiveness through a rigorous scientific process. Less is known about the safety and effectiveness of complementary and alternative methods since many of them have not undergone rigorous evaluation. Some remedies, however, once considered unorthodox, are finding a place in cancer treatment—not as cures, but as complementary therapies that may help patients feel better and recover faster. Traditional therapies such as ayurveda have also been known to cure cancer.

Though many of these therapies are still under evaluation, most have supporters who believe that they have added a positive aspect to their treatment and care, cope better with the physical symptoms and side effects of standard treatment, as well as with the complex and often distressing emotions that cancer can bring.

Different types of cancer cures:-

Ayurveda:-

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical science. It is a natural health care system thought to be the "mother of healing". Unlike modern western medicine, which focuses on treating the symptoms of an illness, Ayurveda concentrates on the source of the disease using natural treatments to eliminate the root cause and promote the patient's inherent self-healing abilities by improving immunity. The most extreme example of illness caused by lack of purpose is cancer. Ayurveda considers cancer an emotionally caused disease. According to Vaidya Balendu Prakash (Hony. Physician to the President of India), cancer can easily be defined within the philosophy of Ayurveda. The combination of diet, lifestyle and medicines play an important role in the prevention and treatment of the cancer. There are certain guidelines in ayurveda that are necessary to be followed to keep a person healthy. Either less or excess or untimely diet or lifestyle factors that disturb vata-pitta-kapha (tridosh), that is, the body metabolism, can cause cancer. Vaidya Balendu Prakash says that the rising incidence of cancer can be attributed to the drastic changes in our lifestyle and dietary habits, especially the use of chemical and synthetic food items, which deprive us from adequate mineral intake. Rasayna Shastra, one of the eight clinical specialties of ayurveda emphasizes on the balance of the seven metals (gold, silver, copper, tin, zinc, iron and lead). These metals help in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. The food items that we consume today are deficient in many minerals. This deficiency causes acidification, which further leads to poor absorption of the metals by our bodies. Moreover, eating disorders, untimely eating, exertion, anxiety, stress, depression and other lifestyle factors contribute towards the formation of acids and toxins in the body, which in turn results in the inflammation of the gastro-intestinal track. The accumulation of toxins and the gradual suppression of the immune system lead to abnormal activities in the different tissues of the body, ultimately leading to cancer.

Top

Ayurveda takes a different approach to achieve good health. It looks at the whole person to eliminate the cause of disease through natural therapies. It can improve health and help prevent serious illness through simple dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and purification techniques that restore balance to your body. Ayurveda is also compatible with Western medicine. An increasing number of doctors are incorporating ayurveda into their regular practice to provide a synergistic effect. Diagnosis according to ayurveda is to find out the root cause of a disease. It is not always necessary that the root cause be inside the body. The cause could be some stress causing factors in the surroundings or the family or the work place. To give permanent relief the root cause (physical-pain or psychological-stress /fear) has to be removed. The treatment of a disease according to ayurveda is not just curing a person of his physical symptoms. The person is treated as a whole (the body and the mind).

Top

Different kinds of examinations are made to find out the root cause of a disease. One of them is pulse examination. By checking the pulse, the ayurvedic physician finds out the position of Tridosha i.e. find out the predominant dosha. This is known as the 'Naadi Pariksha' (nadi or pulse and pariksha or examination). So once the physician knows which dosha is aggravated or out of balance, the main job is to bring it under balance by using different kinds of therapies. The mental situation, family relations and other outside factors are thoroughly examined. Treatment is three-way. Through medicines, diet control and Panchakarma. The medicinal treatment mainly comprises of powders, tablets, decoctions, medicated oils etc. prepared from natural herbs, plants and minerals. Because the medicines are from natural sources and not synthetic, they are accepted and assimilated in the body without creating any side effects when they are used properly in the right proportions. Along with medicine, proper diet and living style is also advised. Ayurveda advocates a diet depending on the constitution of a person and the area of inhabitance. Panchkarma therapy involving therapeutic cleansing of the body is also used as a treatment in many diseases. Fundamental principles, health rules, knowledge of individual constitution of our body, use of various herbs, minerals and specially Panchkarma therapy can be very safely used by one and all, all over the world to promote good health, prevent diseases and acquire longevity. Herbal Therapies Many herbs (including astragalus, dong quai, echinacea, and Asian ginseng) supposedly "boost" the immune system and so shore up the body against future or existing cancer. Extremely small studies suggest that shiitake or maitake mushrooms, mistletoe, extracts of the Venus flytrap, and various botanical therapies used in traditional Chinese medicine may help treat certain forms of cancer. But until better evidence is in, we cannot completely rely on them. Ginger, and maybe some other herbs, may help relieve nausea that often accompanies conventional cancer therapies. Mistletoe Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) is a semi-parasitic plant that lives with several tree species, including oak, pine, fir, elm and apple, and has been used since ancient times to treat a variety of human ailments. Extracts of mistletoe have been shown to kill cancer cells in the laboratory and to stimulate the immune system. Only the European species of mistletoe is used in the treatment of cancer. Mistletoe preparations are used to stimulate the immune system and to kill cancer cells. It has been reported to reduce tumor size and improve the quality of life and survival of some cancer patients. Three components of mistletoe (lectins, alkaloids and viscotoxins) may be responsible for its biologic effects. A typical treatment course lasts several months to years with subcutaneous injections given early in the morning 3-7 times per week. The doses are gradually increased and adjusted depending on the patient's general condition, sex, age, and type of cancer. Mistletoe is typically given by subcutaneous injection, ideally near the site of the tumor while avoiding irradiated areas. It is sometimes injected directly into the tumor particularly on the liver, esophagus and cervix. Mixed results have been obtained in animal studies that have investigated the ability of mistletoe extracts to slow tumor growth. There is no evidence from well-designed clinical trials that mistletoe or any of its components are effective treatments for human cancer. Saw Palmetto Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a low growing palm native to the southeastern United States, particularly Florida. The part of the plant used for medicinal purposes is the berries, which are harvested, dried, and ground for preparation as a tea or in capsules. It is often prescribed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or as an anti-inflammatory. Interestingly, saw palmetto berries do not seem to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate, but rather relieve the symptoms associated with BPH such as frequent urination. Saw palmetto is not believed to interfere with accurate measuring of prostate specific antigen, or PSA (a marker for prostate cancer). All of the studies show that Saw Palmetto extract is effective for both subjective and objective measurements of prostatic enlargement . Other studies show that Saw Palmetto extract selectively antagonizes 52% of the dihydrotestosterone receptors in the prostate, thus inhibiting the hormone from binding to them, and therefore minimizing its stimulation of cell growth. Essiac Essiac (a mixture of herbs) is actually a combination of several herbs. It originally contained burdock root, the inner bark of slippery elm, sheep sorrel, and Turkish rhubarb. More recent combinations have added watercress, blessed thistle, red clover and kelp (to aid with effectiveness and improve taste). These herbs are combined to form a tea, which is then administered orally in an effort to promote health, strengthen the immune system, improve appetite, relieve pain, improve overall quality of life, and reduce the size of tumors. While Essiac-type formulas are available at a reasonable cost in many health food stores, the brew is potentially even less expensive, since it is derived from weeds found in many backyards. Essiac's use is growing in both the U.S. and Canada, where it is legal, but only for terminal cancer patients. Hoxsey In the early 1900's, Harry Hoxsey developed a herbal formula that he believed was effective for the treatment of cancer. It consisted of two remedies, one to be used externally, the other internally. The external mixture is said to be selectively destructive of cancerous tissue and consists of a red paste containing antimony trisulfide, zinc chloride, and bloodroot, and a yellow powder containing arsenic sulfide, sulfur, and talc. The internal mixture is a liquid containing licorice, red clover, burdock root, stillingia root, barberry, cascara, prickly ash bark, buckthorn bark, and potassium iodide. This mixture is considered to be cathartic and immune boosting. Hoxsey felt that his therapy normalized and balanced the body's chemistry makeup, allowing it to essentially create a self-healing environment in which the immune system is strengthened and tumors are caused to die. The treatment is available in Tijuana, Mexico. (Contact information: Bio-Medical center PO Box 727 615 General Ferreira, Colonia Juarez Tijuana, B.C. Mexico. Tel: 011-52-66-84-90-11/9132 or 52-6-684-9011 Fax: 52-6-694-9744 ) The dose of the therapy varies depending on the specific needs of each patient and whether the cancer is internal or on the skin. The preparation is used either directly on the skin or drunk as a tonic. Patients are encouraged to avoid pork, vinegar, tomatoes, carbonated drinks and alcohol, and to use immune stimulants, yeast tablets, vitamin C, calcium, laxatives, and antiseptic washes, as well as adopt a positive mental outlook while taking the Hoxsey treatment. Birch Birch (Betula alba) was tapped by the American Indians for its sap, for a beverage and as a syrup. Oil of wintergreen can be distilled from its inner bark and twigs. Traditionally, it has been used for treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and all diseases of the alimentary tract. It is said to be a good "blood cleanser." It has been an approved medication in Russia since 1834. Externally applied, it is a traditional treatment for "eczema and cutaneous diseases," according to Alma R. Hutchens' A Handbook of Native American Herbs. So it should be little surprise that the white birch may be a source of potent chemicals useful in the fight against melanoma and other kinds of cancer. In March, 1995, John Pezzuto of the University of Illinois, Chicago reported that one of these compounds, called betulinic acid, was able to kill human melanoma cells transplanted into mice. Dr. Pezzuto extracted betulin from birches and converted this into betulinic acid. According to the scientist, betulinic acid "worked better than the drug most commonly used in people to treat melanoma." Unlike conventional chemotherapy, this compound caused no apparent side effects and, for obvious reasons, is potentially very inexpensive. Aloe Vera Aloe vera has long been known for it medicinal properties. Traditionally, as well as today, aloe gel has been used to sooth dry or damaged skin, treat minor cuts and burns, and the latex has been used for constipation. The root is sometimes used for colic. In some parts of the world, such as India, aloe is used to treat intestinal infections. Aloe may be able to help stimulate the immune system, and may also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Studies are currently underway to explore these effects. In just the last few years attention has focused on aloe for a different reason. Aloe has been found to contain a substance called acemannan. This has shown potential as a treatment for AIDS and cancer. In a number of studies, acemannan has had both immunostimulatory and directly antiviral properties. It is non-toxic even when injected at high doses, causing "no significant signs of intoxication and no deaths." Homeopathy:- Homeopathy was discovered by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann—a German Physician in 1790. During one of his experiments he noticed that after ingesting the juice of bark of China (Cinchona officinalis) he developed malarial symptoms (Chills, fever, nausea); whereas Cinchona drug was actually used to treat malaria. Thus a new system of medicine evolved called Homeopathy based on the principle "Similia Similibus Curantur " which means 'Likes cure likes'. That is, a drug that produces certain set of symptoms in a healthy individual can cure the same in a diseased individual. In his experiments, Dr. Hahnemann developed a method of "potentizing" homeopathic remedies by diluting them in a water-alcohol solution and then vigorously shaking (or succussing) the mixtures. The results convinced him that a high degree of dilution not only minimizes the side effects of the remedies but also simultaneously enhances their medicinal powers. Homeopathy is derived from Greek words "Homoeos" = Like or Similar; and "Pathos"= disease or suffering, which means 'Likes cure Likes'. The efficacy of homeopathy drugs is well established in almost all the ailments including those which are a challenge to the modern medicine such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer (Malignancies of various origins), Diabetes Mellitus, etc. Most importantly since homeopathic medicines are in dilutions the side effects are greatly minimized. Hence this system is perfect in ailments of infants and children. The effects or the medicinal values of the drugs are determined by Drug Proving. The homeopathic drugs are derived from various sources. A good remedy removes the disease from its roots and leaves no trace of the disease behind. Individual constitution is given prime importance in homeopathy because no two individuals are alike. Hence we have one drug per individual. This path thus becomes unique and more accurate. Case taking is the most vital part prior to treatment wherein the doctors analyze the mental symptoms along with the physical symptoms. There is a concept of Vital force and Miasmas that determine the health status of the patient and his future health condition, which are again unique to the principle of this path. After 200 years homeopathy has made tremendous advance with pioneers such as Dr. James Tyler Kent, Dr. Boeninghausen, Dr. Boericke, making voluminous contributions and enhancing the spread of this branch world over. Today homeopathy is recognized and practiced in over 30 countries around the world. It is recognized internationally as a branch of complementary and alternative medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete system of health care that has been in use for thousands of years. It has methods to prevent as well as to treat illness.

Qi (pronounced "chee"), the vital life force that flows through the body, is the basic concept in traditional Chinese medicine. Qi is thought of as energy that flows through the body along pathways known as meridians. In Chinese medicine, all ailments and disorders are believed to be caused by an imbalance of qi.

Diagnosing an ailment involves finding out the condition of the patient's qi. Treatment aims at balancing the patient's qi. An imbalance occurs when opposite and complementary forces, called yin and yang, become unbalanced because there is too much of one and not enough of the other.

The main treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine are acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, massage, herbal remedies, and movement and concentration exercises, such as qigong and tai chi. All of these are attempts to re-establish yin-yang balance so that qi can flow smoothly and unblocked.

Traditional Chinese medicine has not been shown to cure cancer or other major illnesses. However, some elements of treatment have been properly studied and found to be effective. Acupuncture can control some types of pain and nausea in many instances, and it often can help break addictive drug habits.

Like other complementary therapies, Chinese medicine may be used in relieving certain symptoms of cancer and side effects of cancer treatment. Chinese medicine, however, should not be expected to slow or reverse growth or spread of cancer.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy's overarching goal is to enlist the natural healing power of the body to fight disease. Some naturopaths equate this healing power to the vital force idea that underlies the traditional healing systems from many ancient cultures. A related emphasis is placed on uncovering and treating the cause of disease, instead of merely relieving symptoms. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) diagnose illness with many of the same methods used in mainstream medicine. They do not rely on concepts such as Ayurvedic medicine's body types or the vital force belief of traditional Chinese medicine. Instead, naturopaths study mainstream medical sciences. They use x-rays, lab tests, and physical exams to make diagnoses, just as do mainstream doctors. They part company with MDs, however, when it comes to treatment. They do not use drugs, modern medical technology, or major surgery. Despite that and although naturopaths are not MDs, they do perform minor surgery. The other treatments, however, are "natural methods," approaches, that naturopaths say, strengthen the body's inner ability to heal itself.

These natural methods are alternative approaches that are not used in mainstream medicine. They include treatment with diet and supplements, herbal remedies, homeopathy, and acupuncture. They also employ other traditional oriental medicine techniques, hydrotherapy, counseling, hypnotherapy, and physical medicine (the manipulation of muscles and bones). Naturopaths view what they do as an alternative to conventional primary care. However, naturopathic medicine treats almost all illnesses: from self-limiting and minor conditions to major diseases such as AIDS and cancer. Other naturopathic principles include avoiding drugs and surgery in favor of natural methods. Naturopaths pay close attention to a person's lifestyle and medical history. They strive to treat the whole person, including their lifestyles, environment, and other factors that affect their well being. Naturopathic medicine uses several methods that vary in how effective they are. Some naturopathic methods, such as homeopathy, may be of little value. However, others are thought to be effective. Examples include the importance of diet in lowering the risk of severe illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, and the use of acupuncture to reduce pain and to help with drug addiction.

Conventional Cancer Treatments in general:- To mainstream doctors, cancer is a localized disease, to be treated in a localized manner. By cutting out the tumor, irradiating it, or flooding the body with toxic (and often carcinogenic) drugs, the orthodox physician hopes to destroy the tumor and thus save the patient. But all too often, the cancer is still present and has metastasized (spread elsewhere). The allopathic, conventional approach, for all its high-tech trappings, is based on a primitive medical philosophy: aggressively attacking an "enemy" disease. Often, the patient is devastated in the process, while the cancer and its underlying causes remain. In contrast, the alternative healer regards cancer as a systemic disease, one that involves the whole body. In this view, the tumor is merely a symptom and the therapy aims to correct the root causes. Instead of aggressively attacking the tumor, many alternative therapies focus on rebuilding the body's natural immunity and strengthening its inherent ability to destroy cancer cells. A number of alternative therapies also include natural measures to directly attack and destroy the tumor, whether by herbs, enzymes, or other means. The three "proven" methods of treating cancer—chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery—may actually shorten life in many instances. Each of these treatments is invasive, has devastating side effects, and treats only symptoms. Each can cause the spread or recurrence of cancer. While these immunity-damaging approaches may at times be necessary, their successes have mostly been limited to relatively rare forms of cancer or the early stages of the disease. For most adult cancers, the orthodox therapies are virtually noncurative, though they may buy some time. For many patients, the standard therapies shorten the life span: "Most cancer patients in this country die of chemotherapy," observes Dr. Alan Levin of the University of California Medical School. "Chemotherapy does not eliminate breast, colon, or lung cancers. The fact has been documented for over a decade.... Women with breast cancer are likely to die faster with chemotherapy than without it." Most cancers are treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or biological therapy. Treatment for cancer depends on the type of cancer; the size, location, and stage of the tumor; the person's general health; and other factors. The doctor develops a treatment plan to fit each person's situation. A team of specialists, which may include a surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, and others, often treat people with cancer. The doctors may decide to use one treatment method or a combination of methods. These are the standard treatments that are being used on cancer patients. But since the treatment of cancer is usually a traumatic and painstaking process, the patient needs other therapies alongside the conventional ones. Cancer needs to be treated and cured not only in body but also in spirit.

Conventional therapies

These are the tried, tested and clinically proven therapies for cancer. They may also be called standard treatments. Such therapies are most commonly used and widely accepted by the medical world inspite of debates on their side-effects and curative capabilities in the later stages of cancer. Treatment options may include:

Surgery
This is the oldest form of treatment for cancer. Surgery is performed in order to remove the cancerous tumor as well as some of the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes near it.

Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays or gamma rays, to destroy cancer cells.

Chemotherapy
This is the use of medicines to treat cancer. Systematic chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs that enter the bloodstream and reach all areas of the body, making this treatment potentially useful for cancer that has spread.

Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is used against certain cancers that depend on hormones for their growth. This treatment may include the use of drugs that stop the production of certain hormones or that change the way they work. Hormone production or hormone action can also be stopped by the surgical removal of hormone-producing glands.

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy (also called biological therapy) is the use of treatments that promote or support the body's immune system response to a disease such as cancer.