Cancer Treatment: How to Find the Right Plan for You?
If you’re reading this article, you or someone you care about is grappling with cancer and all the uncertainty and questions that this diagnosis brings with it. Cancer can be overwhelming, but you can feel empowered by getting the best information in your research. Choosing the right plan entails exploring treatment options and understanding the studies in your research. Just be aware of potential biases that can creep in from the industry as one author expert put it:
“Medical journals are an extension of the marketing arm of pharmaceutical companies… between two-thirds and three-quarters of the trials published in the major journals—Annals of Internal Medicine, JAMA, Lancet, and New England Journal of Medicine—are funded by the industry.”
-Richard Smith, editor, British Medical Journal and author, The Trouble with Medical Journals
This blog's goal is to provide you with a framework to help you decide not only what treatment options best fit you but also how to navigate getting to that point.
Step 1: Understand Your Cancer
The first step in choosing a treatment plan is fully understanding your specific type of cancer.
Ask questions: Talk with your care provider and other trusted people to understand the type and stage of your cancer, including any biomarkers associated with it.
Gets reports: Obtain copies of your imaging and pathology reports for reference.
Research Multiple Sources: Use reputable websites to understand basic information about your cancer. Some sites to consider include: The American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute or the American Society of Clinical Oncologists.
Step 2: Explore Treatment Options
Cancer therapies fall into the following two main categories:
Conventional
Surgery: To remove tumors via a surgical procedure.
Chemotherapy: Uses pharmaceutical drugs to kill cancer.
Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target cancer.
Immunotherapy
Alternative Treatments
Herbal remedies.
Specialized diets (e.g., ketogenic or alkaline diets).
Supplement therapies like Locoregional hyperthermia, CellSonic, or BioTransducer
Targeted nutritional therapies.
Acupuncture for pain or nausea.
Yoga and meditation for stress relief.
Immunotherapy: Redirects the immune system to fight cancer.
Use of off-label pharmaceutical drugs.
IVs that are directed towards the problem of cancer stem cells (CSC).
Step 3: Evaluate Risks and Benefits
For each option, consider the following:
Effectiveness: Does this treatment address your specific cancer type and stage?
Side Effects: What are the potential short- and long-term side effects?
Personal Goals: Are you prioritizing aggressive treatment, quality of life, or a balance of both?
Step 4: Consult Specialists
Building a team of healthcare professionals ensures you have multiple perspectives:
Conventional Oncologists: Specializes in radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy.
Integrative Medicine Specialists: Can guide complementary and alternative approaches.
Seek second opinions particularly if you are unclear about the treatment or goals.
Step 5: Lean on Others and Stay Informed
Friends and family can help you research, attend appointments, and be a sounding board for what you learn. Keep them involved in the process.
The Internet is full of conflicting information so make sure to check resources and avoid studies with unverified claims or biases.
Trust Yourself
Ultimately, the choice of treatment plan should be unique and personalized to the individual. Trust your intuition to make the best decisions that best align with your values and priorities.
Building a treatment plan is more than treating cancer—it’s about treating the individual as no two cancers are exactly alike. By proactively researching your cancer and all the available treatments, you will discover that plan that helps you on your journey to recovery.
At Dayspring Cancer Clinic, we are here to guide and support you with personalized care and compassion on your journey of healing and wellness. Please call us to learn more about the diverse options of treatments available to you by scheduling a consultation with our team including our licensed naturopathic MD, Dr. Andrew Dickens. Call 480-699-7400 today or visit us at https://www.dayspringcancerclinic.com/.