Cancer is the end result of a series of biochemical reactions and conditions resulting in cells that grow in an uncontrolled manner, overwhelming the body’s own defenses. Development of Cancer may be linked to a chronic inflammatory condition. Although there are many cases of spontaneous remission of cancers and a number of “cure” using non-traditional therapies, consistent benefits have not been seen. Let me also say that “cures” in the traditional medical approach are also rare and are most commonly seen with surgery.

The therapies most often used through traditional medicine consist of radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Western medicine lacks balance. This approach focuses primarily on killing cancer cells. It leaves out the most important factor in the long-term outcome…the overall health-body, mind and spirit-of the patient.

We know that there is very good medical evidence for the following:

• Healthy patients tend to do better
• Debilitated patients tend to do worse
• Proper nutrition helps
• Vitamins and minerals may help

We know that there is very good to reasonably good medical evidence for the following:

• Mind-body interactions may be beneficial
• Dietary supplements may be helpful
• Proper exercise is important
• Select herbs may be helpful 

As good as Western Medicine is at treating cancer, there are a number of glaring deficiencies that, I believe, can be easily corrected.

Prevention

It has been said that a good physician can treat disease but a superior on prevents it. Less than 10% of all monies spent on cancer go to prevention. Prevention of cancer is easier than treatment but requires recognition that, modern lifestyles promote the development of cancer…high fat foods, increased sugar intake, stress, obesity, environmental carcinogens and toxins and even a number of commonly used medications. Risk factors for most cancers can be greatly reduced with simple lifestyle changes. Reduction of risk factors carries a greater potential for benefit than all of the medical interventions combined.

Kill the cancer = Weaken the patient

Chemotherapy, Surgery and Radiation. All of the focus of traditional medical therapies is to kill as many cancer cells as possible-with the realization that it is probably impossible to kill all of them. Most protocols will leave as many as 10-15% of the cells alive (this can be millions-billions of cells depending upon the size of the original tumor).

Strengthen the patient's immune system

This is the most important part of preventing and treating cancer. It is specific cells of the immune system that are directly involved in the destruction of cancer cells. Some of these cells are called “Natural Killer” cells. Chemotherapy, radiation and even the stress associated with surgery can reduce the number and effectiveness of natural killer cells. Proper nutrition, stress reduction therapies, mind-body therapies, dietary supplements and even some herbs may increase the number of natural killer cells.

Nutrition

You are what you eat! The average American diet is, in general, a risk factor for many cancers. Excessive intake of fats, or the wrong fats are strongly associated with increases in a number of different cancers. Sugar (the average American now consumes 120 lbs/year) is also associated with increased risk of several cancers. People who eat diets that are rich in vegetables and fruits, low in dairy and red meat, are at significantly reduced risk for almost all cancers.

Mind-body therapies 

Over the past 50 years, the medical evidence for the benefits of mind-body therapies like meditation, guided imagery, qigong, etc is overwhelming. What the mind thinks, the body feels. What the body fells, is immediately recognized in the mind…there is no separation. Mind-body therapies can reduce stress, increase immune function, reduce the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and enhance overall health…all without side effects.

Exercise

If there was one thing that your wanted to do to ensure your health, it would be regular exercise. That does not mean hard, high impact exercise. For most people, it would be 20-30 minutes of mild to moderate exercise per day…for the rest of your life!

Regular exercise has been shown to be very beneficial for:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Bowel disease
• Arthritis
• Chronic pain
• Autoimmune disease
• Insomnia
• Obesity
• Depression
• Neurological diseases
• Etc, etc, etc.

The Optimal Approach

Correct underlying pro-cancer conditions

• Decrease consumption of high fat foods
• Decrease refined sugar intake
• Decrease stress
• Lose weight
• Avoid environmental carcinogens/toxins
• Minimize medications

Kill as much of the cancer as possible

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Surgery

Enhance the body’s ability to protect itself

• Optimize nutrition
• Reduce stress
• Enhance the immune system function
• Dietary supplements, herbs

ALT-MED Integrative Cancer Program

This approach to the treatment of cancer takes the entire person into account. In conjunction with your Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist and/or Surgeon, we create a program that will make the most of your potential for healing. We recognize that everyone is different and our programs are tailored specifically for the individual. Our approach involves lifestyle changes that promote health with vitality. I cannot promise “cures”. From all of my research into traditional and nontraditional medicine and cancer, cures are rare. Everyone will pass from this earth at sometime. It is the quality of life that allows us to achieve our goals and experience life to the fullest. I believe that stress reduction, proper nutrition, enjoyable exercise, vitamins, select dietary supplements and herbs can all contribute to best possible quality of life.

 

Patrick B. Massey MD, PhD

Massage Therapy

ALT-MED massage therapists are “the best of the best”. They have extensive training in a wide variety of massage techniques. All are Certified and Licensed.

• Pain relief, mood enhancement, stress reduction
• lymphedema (combined with acupuncture...fantastic)
• Enhances immune system function, especially natural killer cells

Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture

• Therapy dates back over 3,000 years.
• In Oriental medicine, used to regulate the flow of Qi.
• Western medicine, mechanism not clearly defined…endorphins?
• Accepted by NIH as beneficial for chemo-related nausea, vomiting and pain.
• Also beneficial for diarrhea, hiccups, lymphedema (combined with massage...fantastic), etc.
• May have a direct stimulatory effect on immune system…stimulating natural killer cells.

Nutrition

Nutritional Consultations are done with Dr. Massey.  In this appointment, he will help create a nutritional “blueprint” that will fit an individual’s lifestyle. Consultations take about an hour and need to be scheduled separately from other therapies.

Dietary Supplements and Herbs

There is a rapidly increasing body of medical research on the use of herbs and dietary supplements as adjunctive therapy for cancer. Specific dietary supplements and herbs, in the appropriate quantities and at the right time, may have significant benefits in maintaining health, even through chemo and radiation therapy. Some herbs and dietary supplements may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy, even for drug-resistant tumors.

Other dietary supplements may have a direct toxic effect on cancer cells, prevent small metastasis and stimulate the immune system (especially the natural killer cells). Not all dietary supplements and herbs are manufactured by the same quality standards.

Dr. Massey often has specific recommendations as to name brand (Dr. Massey has no financial connection or owns stock in any supplement manufacturer). Recommendations are made, by Dr. Massey, often during the initial office visit. Follow up visits ensure appropriate use of dietary supplements and herbs.

Mind-Body Therapies

“…There is now considerable evidence that an array of mind-body therapies can be used as effective adjuncts to conventional medical treatment…”

Astin JA, Shapiro SL, Eisenberg DM, Forys KL. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2003

Mind-Body therapies reduce stress and stimulate immune function. In addition, they activate the body’s innate healing mechanisms, without side effects. There are many mind-body therapies. I feel that those therapies combining movement, breathing and meditation are the most effective. I also feel that those therapies that activate and enhance the body’s use of bio-energy are also very effective...not easily accepted by some in traditional medicine, but effective.

Medical Qigong: External qigong program where the practioner (Dr. Massey) puts energy into the patient resulting in a balancing of the energy centers often resulting in decreased fatigue, increased enthusiasm for life, decreased pain and better sleep. 

 

Qigong Healing Circle:  Both external and internal qigong program where 3-5 participants practice qigong techniques, in a circle.  The circle format greatly increases the energy of the group and intensifies the end result. 

 

Medical Tai Chi Program

Specifically designed for patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Enhances energy levels and relaxation. Helps with the side effects of therapy.

Medical Qigong

Breathing and movement that stimulates and relaxes. It is the foundation of Tai Chi. Breathing patterns are designed to increase energy levels, especially in those patients who are unable to do physical activity. Qigong therapy can also be done by Dr. Massey for those who are significantly affected by chemo and radiation.