Can We Treat Cancer Without Chemo?
One of the most common questions I receive during consultations is whether we can treat cancer without chemotherapy.
As we are currently in 2023, medical advancements are working to turn this idea from a New Age concept to a medical reality, with treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
Given all the information we have heard about chemotherapy and its possible side effects, naturally, we are interested in learning about any alternatives that may allow us to avoid going to the chemo suite.
According to medical statistics, it is claimed that in the US, half of all women and one-third of all men will develop cancer during their lifetime. As a result, there is an increasing need and interest in less aggressive treatment options.
What Dr. Google Says (What a Google Search Produces)
A quick online search for the answer to Can we treat cancer without chemo produced some brow-raising results. One site promises 5-Minute Breakthrough Treatments; another offers No Chemo No Radiation – Science-Based Integrative Care, and even newspapers like The New York Times weigh in with an article about a Dr. who chose a different path.
Now, it is true that some people who overcame cancer did so without chemotherapy or medical treatment. It’s also true that more cancer patients survive cancer today than at any other time in history with the aid of medical treatment. So, what are we to make of this?
Thankfully, more treatment options are available nowadays, and treatments like immunotherapy and genetic-based therapies offer some patients a way to avoid the dreaded chemo. Adding to that are adjunct Mind-Body therapies like Hypnotherapy for Cancer that aim to achieve similar goals.
For many of my clients, the chemo choice greatly depends on their beliefs about medicine.
What a Client Said
One of my “success case” clients, who opted for no chemo or radiation, stated another significant factor in her decision to decline those options. For her, the deciding factor was the information available about possible benefits versus the likelihood of life/career-changing short- or long-term side effects. In most cases, Surgeons and Oncologists only talk about it if you do research and/or ask them about it directly.
The Role of Beliefs
Throughout my 22 years of experience in the cancer community, I have observed that clients raised in households where doctors were highly regarded often opt for chemotherapy and medical treatments. On the other hand, those from families with a negative perception of medicine and healthcare are more inclined to consider alternative therapies.
A Hybrid Treatment Plan
Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on your personal beliefs and preferences. From my standpoint, there is a potential for finding a middle ground that incorporates the benefits of traditional medicine alongside complementary treatments.
Your Needs Matter
When making a decision, prioritize your own needs. It’s common for loved ones to offer their opinions, whether in support or opposition, but ultimately it’s up to you to choose the path that feels right. Whether you’re undergoing chemotherapy or exploring alternative options, it’s important to make a decision that brings you peace.
