Introduction

Cancer diagnosis can be stressful and fearful. However, understanding conventional and alternative treatment options can help you take the right steps towards recovery. A 2022 study has shown an estimated 14,61,427 new cancer cases are detected in India. In simpler words, one in nine people in India is likely to develop cancer during his or her lifetime.

New cells are born and destroyed in a healthy person’s body at a fixed time. These cancerous cells divide at an abnormal pace and do not die, thus forming a tumor. 

Whenever a tumor is detected in your body, a piece of tumor is removed and examined under the microscope, called a biopsy. Biopsy helps determine if the tumor is cancerous or non-cancerous. Depending on the location of the tumor and the biopsy results, the cancers are divided into five different types:

  • Carcinoma

Carcinomas are formed from your surface lining epithelial cells. Thus, carcinomas are formed at the mouth, nose, throat, lung airways, gastrointestinal tracts, glands, breast, thyroid, and genitourinary tract.

  • Sarcomas 

Sarcoma is a cancerous tumor affecting your connective tissue (the tissues providing nourishment and blood supply to other tissues). Sarcomas are formed in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, central nervous system, blood vessels, muscles, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and fat.

  • Leukemia 

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Abnormal white blood cells are produced and circulate in your bloodstream.

  • Lymphoma 

Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in your immune cells called lymphocytes. It may involve lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, or bone marrow.

  • Myeloma 

Myeloma is a cancer affecting plasma cells in your bone marrow. It is mainly found in the bones, breast bones, arm bones, leg bones, ribs, and spine.

Homeopathic medicines play a supportive role in cancer treatment. Homeopathy has a vast number of medicines prepared from natural substances that help manage early-stage cancer. In advanced stages of some cancer, homeopathic remedies may not provide a complete cure but can be given to palliate cancer symptoms.  

Role of homeopathy in cancer 

Different approaches are applied in homeopathy depending on the type and severity of the cancer. The most common approach used by homeopaths is prescribing a constitutional homeopathic remedy for cancer. These are prescribed on constitutional grounds and are useful both in supportive and palliative care for cancer. 

The second approach for cancer is organ-specific medicine. These remedies target the particular organ affected by cancer, act as support to the organs, and detoxify them. When given for cancer, these natural remedies act by changing the biochemical environment in your cells that determines your susceptibility to developing cancer. Thus, when your body’s environment is improved, your immune system strengthens, and the possibility of cancer growth reduces. 

Top five homeopathic medicines for cancer

Thuja occidentalis (Thuja)

Common name: Arbor vitae or white cedar

Thuja helps manage cancer by boosting the immune system. It helps the lymphocytes become more effective in killing harmful cells with the help of other immune cells called macrophages. 

Thuja prevents cancer spread by the anti-metastatic activity of cancer cells at cellular levels. It also helps delay tumor growth and decrease the high level of lytic enzymes. 

Lycopodium clavatum (Lyc.)

Common name: Club moss 

Lycopodium clavatum is known to be effective in cancer treatment. This remedy has anti-oxidative, anti-proliferative, and anti-tumor properties. Researchers have shown the anti?cancer effect of lycopodium with the help of nanotechnology.

Lycopodium has properties to fight against cancer cells. It causes cancer cells to die in a specific way called apoptosis. When given in highly diluted doses, lycopodium changes the cancer cell’s DNA, certain proteins, and other cellular contents. Thus, it helps manage cancer by making cancer cells die.

Calcarea carbonica ostrearum (calc.)

Common name: Carbonate of lime 

Calcarea carb. is an effective homeopathic remedy for carcinoma and sarcoma. This remedy helps reduce tumor size by cellular apoptosis. 

Calcarea carb. uses immuno-modulatory circuits to assert its anti-tumor effects. This medication helps the immune system fight against cancer. It also prevents the cancer cells from affecting the T cells (cells important for fighting diseases). 

Arsenic album (Ars. alb.)

Common name: Arsenious acid

Arsenic album is indicated for all psychological issues related to cancer. This remedy is suited for people who get restless and anxious after the cancer diagnosis. Ars. alb. helps in easing the symptoms of fear and anxiety that worsen at night.

There is marked anxiety about the future and about their health. The fear of disease and fear they will die is so intense that they believe that their death is nearing soon.

Psorinum (Psor.)

Common name: Scabies vesicle

Psorinum works well for adenocarcinoma and cellular carcinoma. Cancer symptoms of stage III cancer and stage IV cancer are relieved by this remedy. Psorinum eases cancer-related symptoms like pain, cough, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and constipation. It also improves appetite and reduces weakness. 

Take Homeopathy Treatment for Your Health Conditions

Causes of cancer

The interaction of several factors like genetics, environmental factors, or constitutional characteristics together are responsible for cancer. 

Genetics plays a significant role in causing cancer. The cancer cells are formed when genes that regulate your cellular activity mutate. This mutation leads to the development of abnormal cells that divide and multiply, disrupting how your body works.

As per research, 5% to 10% of all cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations. Cancer can develop due to acquired genetic mutation. Acquired genetic mutations happen throughout your life. Other factors that may cause cancer include:

Smoking

Tobacco smoking can increase the risk of lung, oral, oesophageal, and pancreatic cancer.

Diet

Consuming food high in fat or high in sugar can put you at risk for different types of cancer. 

Environment

Exposure to environmental toxins like asbestos, pesticides, and radon can cause cancer.

Hormone therapy

Women on hormone replacement therapy can be at higher risk for endometrial cancer and breast cancer.

Radiation exposure

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of skin cancer. Also, excess exposure to radiation treatment can cause cancer.

Symptoms of cancer

  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Constant feeling of tiredness
  • Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain
  • Persistent unexplained pain in your muscles or joints that may worsen over time
  • Lumps, bumps, or growth or thickening felt under your skin
  • Your skin shows changes like darkening, yellowing, or redness of the skin
  • Non-healing skin sores 
  • Changes in your existing moles, like changes in their shape or size or new moles
  • Persistent fever that usually spikes at night or night sweats
  • Changes in your bowel or bladder habits
  • Constant cough or difficulty breathing
  • Hoarseness of voice
  • Difficulty in swallowing food 
  • Constant feeling of indigestion or discomfort after eating
  • Easy bruising or bleeding 

Treatment for cancer 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used as a front-line treatment for most cancers. The goal of chemotherapy is to eliminate all cancer cells till your symptoms and tests show no sign of cancer.

Radiation therapy

In radiation therapy, cancer cells are killed with a high dosage of radiation. It is recommended in treating cancer relapse or cancer cells that don’t respond to chemotherapy. 

Hormone therapy 

Hormone therapy helps by removing hormone access to cancerous cells, which they need to grow.

Surgery

Cancerous tumors that haven’t spread are removed with surgery. Surgery for cancer is often combined with chemotherapy or radiation both before and after surgery.

Immunotherapy 

Immunotherapy helps your immune cells attack and kill cancer cells. It is used to treat early-stage curable cancers.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy targets specific genetic changes or mutations causing cancer. The substance used in this therapy blocks an enzyme essential for cancer cell growth.

Biological response modifier therapy

This treatment supports your immune mechanism and helps it perform more efficiently. 

Bone marrow transplant 

Bone marrow transplant or allogeneic stem cell transplantation is recommended when other treatments fail to eliminate cancer cells.

Diet and lifestyle modifications for cancer 

Refreshing sleep

Ensure you get sufficient sleep each night. Good sleep can improve cancer prognosis.

Exercise regularly 

Exercise regularly during and after cancer treatment. Studies have shown that moderate physical activity of 30 minutes each day can help improve cancer patients’ quality of life. Talk to your oncologist before starting the exercise plan.

Eat well

A nutritious diet can help you manage cancer symptoms, manage the side effects of cancer treatment, and recover faster. It also lowers the risk of cancer relapse.  

Manage your stress

Managing your stress levels can help you with better clinical outcomes in cancer. Try relaxation therapies like guided hypnosis, meditation, and yoga.

Conclusion

The genetic mutation leading to the abnormal multiplication and growth of cells causes cancer. Homeopathy can be one of the effective complementary treatments for cancer. You can have a better quality of life by integrating homeopathy with conventional treatments.

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