Every year, consumers spend an estimated $40 billion on complementary and alternative medicine treatments and products, with hopes of miraculous cures, often unsupported by research or by science. When approaching the topic of supplements or alternative therapies patients must consider the side-effects or the interactions with their prescribed treatments.
Complementary therapies or integrative medicine can be very helpful in minimizing side-effects of traditional treatments and maximizing treatment results; but they should be considered and used carefully. Cancer patients, in particular, should know that using complementary therapies could interfere with, and in certain cases even destroy, the benefits of traditional treatment.
On the other hand, certain complementary therapies used in conjunction with mainstream treatments have been found to be helpful. For example, for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, a study from the University of Rochester in New York has shown the effectiveness of ginger in relieving nausea.
Adding an exercise routine and paying close attention to nutrition have both been shown to greatly benefit cancer patients. The World Cancer Research Fund International recommends daily exercise in excess of 30 minutes and a diet prevalent in foods of plant origin, limiting sugary foods and drinks. Meditation, yoga, tai-chi and other “alternative” types of mind-body practices used by cancer patients also show benefits against pain, anxiety and insomnia.
Alternative therapies are usually defined as those used instead of standard medical treatment. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation follows evidence-based protocols and therefore does not advise use of alternative therapies.
Body Work and Body-based Practices
While your body is fighting disease or recovering from treatment there are many symptoms that can be subdued by shifting focus from onto the body. Pain, fatigue, stress, stiff joints, weakness, nausea, depression are common side effects to cancer treatment and diagnosis. Some practices are extremely active, some are passive and some are right in the middle of the spectrum.
Exercise- Whether you are able dance, run, play golf or simply walk outside to water the garden you’re doing something that classifies as exercise. With exercise you can relieve stress and fatigue, loosen joints and build muscle.
Massage- The basis of massage is muscles and soft tissue, which are rubbed and manipulated to relax the area. Despite rumors, massage does not spread cancer cells and treatments have proven to be an effective yet non-invasive means of calm relaxation.
Acupuncture- This practice is an ancient medical technique that involves very thin metal needles inserted into the skin in specific places to relieve a variety of symptoms including nausea, pain and tension.
Yoga is an exercise that follows precise positions to stretch and stabilize certain muscles. Special attention is given to incorporating breathing into movement and pausing for moments of meditation. Benefits include relaxation, muscle toning, reduced heart rate and blood pressure, stress and depression relief.
Nutrition
Mesothelioma patients, in particular, have several challenges to overcome when it comes to nutrition. Sometimes, cancer cells are known to produce chemicals that can change the way that the body uses nutrients. Other times, the body’s use of protein, carbohydrates and fat may be physically altered by tumors of the stomach or intestines. In these instances, while a patient may seem to be eating enough, not all nutrients end up absorbed by the body.
However, more often, nutritional deficiencies are caused by treatment side effects. Many mesothelioma patients find that it becomes hard to eat when going through treatment. This is usually caused by recovery from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. Mesothelioma patients undergoing these types of treatments can experience a loss of appetite (anorexia), mouth sores or dry mouth, trouble swallowing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pain, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, it is very easy for a patient to become malnourished, and as a result feel weak and tired.
In some cases, patients whose bodies are unable to absorb adequate nutrients are at risk for developing anorexia (the loss of appetite or desire to eat) or cachexia (a condition marked by loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle loss, and general weakness). Nutrition therapy or medicine may be used to help patients who are unable to keep these conditions at bay.
Emotional and Mental Health
This is perhaps the most neglected part of treatment. Upon diagnosis, patients are often taught about their cancer’s biology, treatment options, side effects, and symptoms, but they are rarely guided in matters of mental health. This section helps you become aware of a new aspect of your health you may not have thought of before.
Counseling- A new diagnosis can feel overwhelming for both the patient and caregiver leading to potential anxiety and depression. A qualified mental health professional with experience working with cancer patients can help.
Support Groups- Without an outlet, feelings, emotions and stress build to make you feel worse than perhaps you’d like. As mesothelioma is particularly rare, the experience you have can feel isolating and daunting. The Meso Foundation offers a full spectrum of support groups .
Meditation- As an “intentional self-regulation of attention” meditation is a practice used for relaxation of both body and mind that comes from intense concentration. A person may focus on their breath, an object or a specific word or set of words called a mantra.
Spirituality- While being spiritual is mostly expressed through a specific religion, it is not always. Being aware of something bigger than yourself is considered being spiritual. Specific religions offer a community and gathering of a like-minded group. Either way you choose to participate, this method may give you new hope and a more peaceful grounded sense of self.