News
Natural Therapies with the help of Science hold the key
Wed, 3 Sep 2008
I have researched and worked with cancer for nearly 25 years. Over this time I have tried on my patient’s behalf, numerous therapies with cancer some in combination with chemotherapy and some without. At the same time I have been involved in cell culture work in laboratory studies and animal research. I have also read the scientific literature in an attempt to get a better understanding of cancer and how and why it grows. Science has, to a large extent, unravelled the mechanisms that control the growth of tumours. That is not to say that more is not to be discovered. However the knowledge base is such that one can have an intelligent working knowledge of cancer cells activity and behaviour.
As I read this literature I became more and more convinced that we have at our disposal the ammunition to fight the disease. Know your enemy - know your disease.
The general scientific research community in cancer research is producing an enormous amount of information on the roles and ways natural substances will control cancer cells of all different types in a myriad of cancer experiments. These results are so tantalising that it is food for me to keep going with my belief that natural substances hold the key to curing the disease.
On the other side of the scale we have the scepticism of the clinical medical oncological world who maintains there is no evidence to support the natural treatments. We then have fads and natural therapies with little scientific credentials, a lot of anecdotal razzmatazz and a great degree of bravado. Into this maelstrom enters the cancer patient. They have fear of orthodox treatment but feel compelled to do it because these people are the established experts. When disillusioned with this they become interested in what orthodox therapists would call wacky quacky anecdotal therapy.
However, the promising alternative therapies that do have scientific credibility have little funding outside of the laboratory and are often proposed by credible therapists but not heard. My view remains the same. Science will help us to find a cure for cancer. Natural substances are the most powerful tools we have ultimately to fight cancer. These tools are more subtle and less dramatic however they will get to the basic issues and questions that cancer answers.
My work, my staff and my clinic have dedicated ourselves to the delivery of the best therapies in the best way to the best of our abilities. We are not frightened to answer the hard questions in ourselves and others. We will give credit where it is due but we will stand up to the dogma which is often presented as scientific fact when in fact the story that is emerging is more subtle and intricate than is being presented.
Modern cancer therapy, contrary to what is being presented is failing particularly where cancer has not been detected in early stages. Once the disease has spread from its primary focus the 5 year survival rate is poor and most therapies have little chance of long term success. The real triumph for the world will be when this disease in its more advanced stages can be controlled and cured.
My view is the patient needs as much information as possible and the respect to make their own choices, with support once they do this. The people who will have their own best interests at heart will be themselves and their family. What is needed is truth with compassion.
There is never one way but the best way to go will be determined with an informed decision, clear options, good monitoring and honest feedback. What is right for one may not necessarily be fit for another.
