Conventional Treatment For Cancer Compared To Alternative Cancer Treatments And How Important It Is To Understand The Distinct Differences Between The Two.
Before there was increased awareness of alternative cancer treatments, the only considered effective path towards healing for many patients was through conventional protocols like chemotherapy and surgery. Conventional treatment for cancer uses a “war-like” mentality where the patient suffers from this approach.
Fortunately, further research and development have led to a more established alternative cancer treatment paradigm for those who wish to explore the benefits of holistic and integrative therapies.
But what exactly are the key differences between conventional and alternative cancer treatment?
In a new video, integrative oncology and metabolic medicine expert Dr. Thomas Lodi explains, “In the conventional approach, the doctor goes to war against the tumor. They find out where the tumor is, PET scans and a biopsy are done, they look at the pathology and then they say ‘Aha, there’s the enemy.’”
The “problem” with this approach is that the battle is fought on the patient’s body. At the end of the day, it is the patient, and their loved ones, who suffer through the physical and emotional side effects.
The Conventional Approach To Uses The Patients Body As The Battlefield
According to 2016-2017 report from the American Cancer Society, side effects of conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy and systemic therapy like chemotherapy can occur months or even years later. Aside from hair loss, pain, fatigue, and emotional distress, other noted effects can include anemia, immune suppression, heart damage, infertility, memory, and mental deficits, and urinary, kidney and bladder problems.
Patients who are diagnosed and treated for breast cancer at younger ages may also experience “impaired fertility and premature menopause” as well as “increased risk of osteoporosis.”
The Increased Risk of Cancer Recurrence From the Conventional Model
Among pediatric patients, treatment-related side effects may be experienced “many years later.” In the 1970s and 80s, aggressive treatments used for children resulted in a “number of late effects” including increased risk of cancer recurrence.
One study cited in the report found that 50% of these survivors had “severe or life-threatening chronic health condition” by the time they reached 50 years old. Pediatric patients who were exposed to treatments that were potentially toxic to the heart or lungs developed related problems. The report also noted that, while long-term mortality rate among young survivors has significantly reduced, newer therapies could still pose a serious health risk.
Dr. Lodi added, “All the collateral damage is with the patient. You may eliminate the tumor but in the conventional model, the immune system is also eliminated. The patient loses their hair, they have lost their dignity, they feel terrible and are depressed.”
Alternative (and/or sometimes called complementary) cancer treatment is described as “products, practices, and systems that are not part of mainstream medicine.”
At The LifeCo Clinic, a Thai healing center where Dr. Lodi is the main consultant, and at his very own alternative cancer care center, Arizona-based An Oasis of Healing, Dr. Lodi advocates and uses holistic and integrative therapies that do more than just “kill the enemy.”
The Alternative Approach to The Treatment Of Cancer
“What is the goal? What do we view as a success for the patient?”, he said. “Do we want a shrunken tumor in a person whose health is declining with their immune system shutting down or do we want to help return that person to a state of health where they can live a normal happy life?”
For Dr. Lodi, it is vital to “change the paradigm” so that the journey is towards long-term and sustainable healing and not just elimination of the tumor at the expense of the patient’s overall wellness.
He furthered, “Instead of going to war against the tumor, which is what conventional treatment for cancer does, what we must understand is that the tumor developed in the body for a reason. Just like apples don’t grow unless you have an apple tree, a tumor is not going to grow unless the right conditions exist that allow it to grow.
It’s important to understand that the body is always doing what is necessary to maintain homeostasis or functional integrity. The tumor is a warning sign that things need to change, and a different path needs to be followed. Restoring people’s health is the goal for all patients.”
Integrative Cancer Therapies Do No Harm To The Body
Integrative therapies include metabolic treatments such as intravenous vitamin C and glutathione as well as adjunct treatments like colon hydrotherapy and massage therapies. Patients are also encouraged to learn and practice mindfulness techniques through yoga and meditation.
Want to ask Dr. Lodi himself about the path to true healing? Book an online consultation or watch his video lecture series on health for more information.