Cancer is defined as an uncontrolled growth of cells
anywhere in the body. There are more than 200 types of cancer. Exposure to
toxic chemicals, pollution, radiation and some pathogens, as well as chronic
smoking, heavy alcohol abuse, and genetics, are known causes of cancer. The
signs and symptoms of cancer include fatigue, unexplained weight loss,
persistent low grade fever, severe or unusual body pain, nausea or vomiting,
change in bowel habits, persistent sore throat or difficulty in swallowing,
unusual bleeding or discharge, non-healing ulcer, thickening or lump, and noticeable changes in
a wart or mole.
Cancer
types include carcinomas (involving skin and coverings of internal organs),
sarcomas (involving connective and supportive tissue like muscles, fat, bone,
cartilage and blood vessels), leukemias
(involving bone marrow and blood tissue), lymphoma and myeloma (involving the
immune system), and brain and spinal cord tumours. Physical examination, a
detailed medical history, and tests like X-ray, blood tests, ultrasound, CT
scan, MRI and radionuclide scan can help make a presumptive diagnosis of
cancer; however, a biopsy is the best way of making a definite diagnosis of
cancer and its type. Treatment is usually done with a combination of surgery,
radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Staging of the cancer helps identify the
severity of spread and the overall prognosis, while helping to decide the most
effective treatment protocol.
Dealing
with a diagnosis of cancer, and facing the prospect of costly, prolonged, and
often harsh treatment procedures can be one of the most traumatic experiences
of life. Most individuals may get confused about the future course of action.
It is always best to take several expert opinions regarding the most suitable
treatment protocol. If surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, or a
combination of all three, can quickly reduce the tumor size significantly, then
this is the most preferred first line of treatment.
If the
overall prognosis and cure rate are excellent with conventional treatment, then
in most cases nothing more need be done. It is important to educate oneself
about the type of cancer, its known causes, and take all possible steps –
mainly lifestyle modifications - to prevent recurrence. Keeping body immunity
at optimum levels, in all possible ways, is one of the best ways to prevent
recurrence.
If the
cancer is known to be aggressive and has a grim prognosis, it is better to
start alternative treatment concurrently with conventional treatment. The two
treatments can work in synergy; conventional treatment can reduce the tumor quickly
with a few sessions of treatment, while Ayurvedic herbal treatment can help
boost long term immunity, as well as help reduce the cancer gradually and
prevent it from spreading further or recurring later. Most individuals make the
mistake of opting for alternative treatment when it is too late. Ayurvedic
herbal treatment needs to be taken for at least 18-24 months in order to see
significant improvement in cancer, help in complete remission, and also to prevent
recurrence.
Ayurvedic
treatment for cancer is multi faceted. Herbs are given to improve immunity; to
target the specific organs and tissues affected with cancer; to improve general
and specific metabolic activity, and lastly, to provide rejuvenation in the
form of Rasayan therapy. Detoxification is also required on a general level as
well as specific organ, tissue or cellular level as required.
As
mentioned above, the individual needs to work on a holistic level to improve oneself
at the physical, mental and spiritual level in order to achieve a complete cure
and enjoy a good quality of life.
The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
