Identifying alternative cancer treatment methods
CANCER IS a health problem responsible for one in six deaths worldwide. In 2020, there was an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases, and about 10 million cancer deaths globally. Cancer is a very complicated sequence of events, progressing gradually towards a generalised loss of growth control.
For many decades, there were only a few prominent options for cancer treatment. This included surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, as single treatments or in combination.
Recently, however, many pathways i nvolved i n cancer therapy have improved dramatically, with combinatorial strategies, i nvolving multiple targeted therapies or traditional chemotherapeutics, such as the taxanes and platinum compounds, being found to have a synergistic effect.
New approaches, such as drugs, biological molecules, and immune therapies, are being used for treatment.
At present, over half of the world’s ongoing medical treatment trials are focused on cancer treatments. A variety of factors, such as the type of cancer, its site, and severity, guide the selection of appropriate treatment options and its progress. The most widely used traditional treatment methods are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, while modern modalities i nclude hormone therapy, anti-angiogenic, stem cell therapies, immunotherapy, and dendritic cell-based immunotherapy.
According to Dr Andre Williams, integrative oncologist at Teshuva Wellness, many patients are now opting to utilise non-conventional or alternate cancer treatment methods.
“Cancer is a complex disease, and its treatment requires a multimodal approach. Conventional cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, have been the standard of care for many years. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in alternative cancer treatments, which offer a more holistic approach and often have fewer side effects,” Dr Williams said.
“Many patients are opting to try the non-conventional or complementary methods of treatments; however, the same treatment should not apply or be prescribed for everyone. We must assess the person, not just the disease. At Teshuva Wellness, we always take a look at the emotional and nutritional history of the person and select the appropriate tools, rather than just giving everyone the same treatment,” Dr Williams added.
WELLNESS STRATEGIES
Alternative cancer treatments are non-traditional approaches that are often used in conjunction with, or instead of, conventional treatments.
“Patients may seek alternative cancer treatments for a variety of reasons, including: a desire for a holistic approach to healing, the hope of avoiding potentially toxic treatments, or a dissatisfaction with conventional treatment options. Some alternative cancer treatments are rooted in traditional medicine practices from other cultures, while others are based on a variety of alternative health philosophies,” Dr Williams said.
Dr Williams has been extensively trained as a conventional oncologist, and has received an international award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, for his work in a developing country. He has also done further international training in proven nutrition and wellness strategies.
He believes the body was built to heal itself, and employs his wealth of experience to guide you towards complete wellness. “In 2016, when I started this journey, I knew that I was not happy with the limited treatment options I had to offer. I decided to become internationally certified in both the Gerson Therapy and the Gonzalez Protocol. The Gerson Therapy is a decades-old approach to treating cancer and other chronic illnesses, using aggressive nutrition. The Gonzalez Protocol was pioneered by Dr Nicholas Gonzalez and similarly employs powerful, proven nutritional therapies, coupled with high doses of pancreatic enzymes and safe detoxification routines,”Dr Williams said.
Dr Williams, who is also certified in Basic and Advanced Prolozone therapy techniques by the American Academy of Ozonotherapy, said a good cancer treatment protocol i ncludes nutrition, removal of toxic material, and support to assist the body to repair.
Dietary modifications involve making changes in a person’s eating habits, to help boost immunity and reduce the risk of cancer. Some dietary modifications that have been shown to be effective include reducing the intake of processed foods and sugar and increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, some alternative cancer treatments recommend incorporating organic food and plant-based diets.