The following article covers holistic treatments for lung cancer.
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with an estimated two million new cases and 1.76 million deaths annually.
It is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and although the average five-year survival rate is 15 percent, it is treatable at all stages – and not just through conventional cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation. Some patients choose to leverage the immune-system-supporting power of holistic treatments on their journey to health and vitality.
Understanding Lung Cancer
The lungs are organs situated beneath the rib cage. Neither symmetrical nor identical in function, they deliver oxygen to areas throughout the body. Lung cancer forms when cells in the lungs become abnormal. Healthy cells perform their duty and then die, but cancer cells continue to duplicate and grow out of control. This forms a tumor, which can block the lungs’ ability to provide oxygen to the bloodstream. In some cases, the abnormal cells travel to other parts of the body, called metastasizing.
There are two categories of lung cancer defined by the types of cells they affect:
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is less common
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is more common
Within these two groups, there are several types of lung cancer, including the following:
- Adenocarcinoma, which develops in the lining of the glands
- Bronchoalveolar carcinoma, which is a type of adenocarcinoma that impacts non-smokers and women more than other lung cancers
- Mesothelioma, which is an uncommon lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure and cigarette smoking
- Squamous cell carcinoma or epidermoid carcinoma, which forms in the tissue that lines the lungs – this cancer is most common in people who smoke
What Causes Lung Cancer?
People who smoke cigarettes are at the highest risk of developing lung cancer – estimates suggest that smoking results in 90 percent of lung cancer risk in men and 70-80 percent in women.
The longer a person smokes (or is exposed to second-hand smoke), the higher their risk. Smoke from tobacco harms the lungs’ cells. In addition, it contains carcinogens that change the way lung tissue functions. With repeated exposure over a long period, the damaged cells become abnormal, grow uncontrollably, and create tumors. The good news is people who quit smoking, even after many years, can reduce their risk of developing cancer.
Not all people who develop lung cancer have smoked. Other factors that increase the likelihood of disease include the following:
- A family history of lung cancer
- A history of lung disease
- Excessive alcohol drinking
- Inhaling radon gas, asbestos, and other harmful chemicals
What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
Early-stage lung cancer has few, if any, noticeable symptoms. However, as cancer grows, patients may experience one or more of the following:
- A persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarse voice
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
How Is Lung Cancer Traditionally Treated?
Lung cancer is traditionally treated in one or more ways, depending on the type of cancer and whether it has metastasized. Conventional therapies include:
- Surgery, where doctors cut out the cancer tissue from the lungs
- Chemotherapy, where cytotoxic drugs are given via pills or intravenously to shrink or destroy cancer cells
- Radiation therapy, where high-energy rays kill the cancer cells
Traditional treatments can result in positive outcomes. However, they can also adversely affect patients’ quality of life. For example, chemotherapy targets cells that divide rapidly, like cancer cells. Some healthy cells do the same, including cells in the blood, mouth, digestive system, and hair follicles. Therefore, chemotherapy also damages healthy cells, leading to the following side effects:
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- High risk of infection
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ulcers in the mouth
That’s why many lung cancer patients choose to explore the potential of holistic treatments for lung cancer.
Holistic Treatments for Lung Cancer
Holistic treatments are non-toxic and support well-being. They do not have life-limiting side effects or use chemicals and drugs that damage the body’s healthy cells. Instead, holistic treatments for lung cancer work by targeting cancer’s weaknesses and empowering the body’s natural healing processes.
Here are ten holistic treatments for cancer of the lungs:
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine that can help alleviate the symptoms of lung cancer and traditional treatment.
- BEMER therapy. BEMER is a safe and reliable complementary treatment for cancer patients undergoing traditional therapies, such as chemotherapy. BEMER enhances microcirculation, leading to the removal of cytotoxins and free radicals.
- Exercise. Research suggests that regular movement can help lung cancer patients in several ways, increasing their endurance, building strength, and lessening emotional and mental health struggles.
- Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy. This treatment invigorates the body at a cellular level, delivering much-needed vitamins to the bloodstream.
- Lymphatic drainage massage. Lymphatic massage alleviates swelling caused by fluid buildup following traditional cancer treatment.
- Medical marijuana. This plant contains cannabinoids that enhance the body’s central nervous system and immune system. Cannabinoids effectively reduce nausea and boost the appetite of patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Nutrition. Proper nutrition ensures a patient’s diet provides adequate support for the body’s healing processes.
- Oxygen therapy. Cancer cells are anaerobic, which means they cannot survive in oxygenated environments. Oxygen therapy increases oxygen levels, causing cancer cells to die.
- Photodynamic therapy. Leveraging low-level laser, photodynamic therapy promotes regeneration, healing, and tissue function.
- Red light therapy. This cold laser therapy machine emits red light energy. The body absorbs this, converting it into bioenergy for improved healing.
Are Holistic Treatments for Lung Cancer Right for Me?
A lung cancer diagnosis can trigger a whole host of emotions: fear, anger, and sadness. The road ahead may feel daunting, but remember that you are in control of your health. If you are ready to learn more about holistic lung cancer treatment, schedule a consultation with one of our patient care coordinators today.
Resources:
Collins, Lauren G et al. “Lung cancer: diagnosis and management.” American family physician vol. 75,1 (2007): 56-63.
Michaels, Carol. “The importance of exercise in lung cancer treatment.” Translational lung cancer research vol. 5,3 (2016): 235-8. doi:10.21037/tlcr.2016.03.02
Parker, Linda A et al. “Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 163,7 (2011): 1411-22. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01176.x
Rébé, Cédric, and François Ghiringhelli. “Cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy on cancer and immune cells: how can it be modulated to generate novel therapeutic strategies?.” Future oncology (London, England) vol. 11,19 (2015): 2645-2654. doi:10.2217/fon.15.198
Thai, Alesha A et al. “Lung cancer.” Lancet (London, England) vol. 398,10299 (2021): 535-554. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00312-3
Walser, Tonya et al. “Smoking and lung cancer: the role of inflammation.” Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society vol. 5,8 (2008): 811-5. doi:10.1513/pats.200809-100TH
