Cancer (adjunct/adjuvant) and Palliative Treatment

Cancer (adjunct/adjuvant) and Palliative Treatment

Definition:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and other sources, cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It can start in any area of the body, with the prevalence rate of different cancers varying.

Is Cancer Curable?

Cancer is Curable!!! The early detection and treatment of cancer can significantly cure and improve the chances of remission and a person’s outlook. While there is currently no definitive cure for terminal/ advanced stages of cancer. Successful treatment can result in cancer going into remission, which means that all signs of it have gone.

How is Cancer Formed?

The pathogenesis of cancer involves a series of complex processes that lead to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells. Here’s a simplified explanation:

  • Molecular Pathogenesis of Cancer (Genes and Cancer): The pathogenesis of cancer begins at the molecular level with genetic changes in the cell. These changes can occur in sections of DNA called genes, causing them to become oncogenes. There are four types of regulatory genes involved in normal cell growth:
  • Proto-oncogenes (growth-promoting)
  • Anti-oncogenes (growth suppressor)
  • Apoptosis regulatory genes
  • DNA repair genes
  • Chemical Carcinogenesis: Certain chemicals, known as chemical carcinogens, can cause these genetic changes. Examples include nickel compounds, cadmium, arsenic, nitrosamines, trichloroethylene, arylamines, benzopyrene, aflatoxins, and reactive oxygen radicals.
  • Physical Carcinogenesis: Physical factors such as ultraviolet (UV) rays and ionizing radiation (x-rays and gamma rays) can also cause genetic changes that lead to cancer.
  • Biological Carcinogenesis: Certain viruses, known as oncoviruses, and bacteria have been associated with various types of cancers. Examples include the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Hepatitis B and C viruses, and the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

The commonly accepted basis of the pathogenesis of cancer is the damage to the genetic apparatus of cells, such as mutation, disturbance of gene expression, activation of tumour promoter genes, and inactivation of tumour suppressor genes. It’s important to note that the development of malignant tumours requires damage to the genetic apparatus of the cell along with inactivation of anti-tumour genes

Identifying Cancer

Identifying cancer often involves recognizing changes in the body. These changes can include unusual lumps or swellings, changes in bowel or bladder habits, unexplained weight loss, and persistent cough among others.

Early Symptoms of Cancer

Early symptoms of cancer can vary greatly, but they often include fatigue, weight changes, skin changes, and changes in bowel habits.

Cancer Screening

Screening options for cancer depend on the type of cancer. Tumour markers used to detect the cancers. Common screening tests include mammography for breast cancer, Pap and HPV tests for cervical cancer, colonoscopy and stool tests for colorectal cancer, and low-dose helical computed tomography for lung cancer among others.

Palliative Treatment

Palliative care is a form of medical care aimed at relieving the symptoms associated with a serious illness while improving a person’s quality of life. It can be given at any point during a person’s illness to help them feel more comfortable.

Cancer Treatments

Homeopathic medicines are used by patients with cancer for symptomatic relief and general supportive care, as well as for adverse effects of cancer treatments. In advanced cases a multidimensional approach towards the cancer pain palliation and at the end of life is needed, in which homoeopathy may play a key role of supportive care. Homoeopathy may become a valuable treatment in palliative care to provide relief and comfort to the dying patient, and therefore the fear of death may reduce and the family may be better prepared for the bereavement. Homoeopathy can well integrate with standard oncologic cares to improve patient outcome including symptom burden, quality of life and end-of-life outcomes, all achieved with low associated costs.

Those medicines calling ‘cancer-specific’ medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but we use constitutional treatment, based on the totality of symptoms. Follow-up can be planned by assessing the initial remedy response.