CANCER
What is cancer? Your body and all your organs
are made up of cells. Each cell contains DNA, your genetic material. This DNA
controls cell division which is the process of creating new cells to replace
those that die or are damaged. When a cell begins to divide and multiply more
than is necessary, a tumor is formed. Tumors may be either benign
(non-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Malignant cells multiply out of
control and may spread throughout the body (metastasis). Thus, cancer may occur
in, and spread to, any part of your body. More information can be obtained from
the American Cancer Society or the
National Cancer Institute.
What causes cancer? The causes can be described
as stressors and can arise from several sources
(see Principles of Wellness). Stressors can be
physical or psychological and come from internal or external sources. Poor diet,
exposure to certain chemicals, smoking, pollution, emotional factors, and other
forms of stress may "activate" the switch (genetic markers) in your cells that
will lead to the formation of cancer.
How do you treat cancer? The traditional
approaches include chemotherapies, radiation therapies, and surgery. The success
rate depends on what type of cancer is involved, how early it is detected and
treated, health of the patient, and other factors. Many patients choose to seek
alternative forms of treatment. Alternative forms of treatment may include
homeopathic, herbal, nutritional, and other forms of therapy. Dr. Hopper and
Nevada Care Medical Centers provide cancer treatment for those patients
who are seeking alternative forms of treatment. This treatment adheres to the
Principles of Wellness and involves the seven areas
of treatment described therein of:
- Physical: Medical conditions are assessed
and treated. Medical monitoring of patients receiving IV therapy or
injections is maintained throughout. Appropriate physical exercise or
physical rehabilitation is prescribed as exercise is an important component
of wellness.
- Psychological: Solution-oriented,
cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy is used to help the patient become more
solution-focused and positive in their thinking and behaviors. Patients with
poor cancer outcomes consistently exhibit problem-focused and negative
thinking patterns and beliefs. Furthermore, depression, anxiety and other
psychiatric conditions are commonly found with cancer patients which further
exacerbates their condition. Additionally, biofeedback, hypnosis, and other
techniques such as guided imagery help patients battle their cancer which
many researchers belief is primarily dictated by psychological factors in
the first place.
- Spiritual: Understanding the purpose
to your life and disease is an important process in recovering from all
disease. One of the first questions, we ask is "Why me?". This is a
spiritual question. If we are not able to put things in their proper
perspective and have some meaning to our lives, we will not survive well
from disease.
- Nutritional: You are what you eat. Many
foods have anti-cancer properties that aid in inhibiting cancer from
developing or spreading. Most cancer patients do not eat properly and do not
eat the very foods that will help prevent or eliminate cancer. Certain foods
fuel cancer while others starve it while aiding your immune system and body
to fight it off. Orthomolecular medicine, herbal
medicines, and other forms of naturopathic treatments are very helpful in
the battle against cancer.
- Sleep: Your day will be mirrored by your
sleep the night before. If you have a bad night of sleep, you will have a
bad day, and vice versa. Sleep is when your body heals itself and recharges
your batteries so that you have enough energy for the next day.
Sleep hygiene and other forms of
treatment for sleep problems will enable your fight against disease.
- Environmental: You are a product of
your environment. Psychological factors (work stress, family problems,
marital stress, poor self image, etc.) and physical factors (chemical
exposure, pollution, diet, etc.) can lead to cancer. Identification of
environmental factors (internal and external) is essential in the quest to
overcome cancer. Oxygen therapies are often very useful in the treatment of
cancers. This may be done through ozone chambers, IV therapy, and/or oral
forms.
- Life Skills: Sometimes we need a "how to"
manual in life because we don't know how to deal with certain stressors. It
is vital to our wellness to learn how to do those things that can create
terrible amounts of stress on us like effective communication, parenting,
managing money, leadership, etc.