Alternative Cancer Treatments

Alternative Cancer Treatments

David A. Celli

COM/156

September 24, 2013

Bill Johnson

Alternative Cancer Treatments

According to “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” (2013), “Each year globally, 12.7 million people learn they have cancer, and 7.6 million people die from the disease” (para. 1). Cancer treatments can be affective, depending on the type and level of the cancer. Doctors often offer different treatment options to patients. Most of these treatments include medications that can affect the body in a harmful way in attempt to kill the cancer. Many patients are starting to look for alternative treatments. As cancer research continues, no conventional or alternative treatment is guaranteed to cure a patient from cancer. A major concern about alternative treatments is its use as a false lure to a cure. Although there is no cure for cancer, alternative treatments may prove to be helpful along with conventional treatment as cancer becomes more common.

To understand how alternative treatments can assist cancer patients along with their conventional treatments, understanding what cancer is, and how it can affect the body become important. According to “National Cancer Institute” (2013), “Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues” (para. 1). As cancer cells continue to divide, they can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. These abnormal cells can cause some major issues throughout the body. A broad spectrum of non-specific cancer symptoms can include a nagging cough or hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, nausea, persistent fatigue, unintentional weight loss, and pain, as well as changes in bladder or bowel habits (cancer symptoms, 2003). These symptoms can be very difficult to manage on a daily basis.

To help combat many of these symptoms, as well as the pain, nausea, and fatigue associated with conventional cancer...