When selecting an alternative or integrative cancer treatment, either as a supplement to a conventional treatment or as a standalone treatment, there are several things that should be asked before beginning the therapy. Certain treatments may be dangerous, and others completely ineffective. Ask and answer the following questions before embarking on an alternative cancer treatment regimen.
1. What is it?
Although this question may be simple, it very often is not. Some alternative treatments have odd or outlandish names. The ingredients of the product must actually make sense for treating cancer and have research to back up the claims. Some alternative treatments are absolutely worthless while others actually provide exceptional and measurable results.
2. Is it safe?
Any alternative treatment you select should have good scientific research that proves the safety of the regimen. This should include basic science, history of use, specific examples of cases and testimonials from users and survivors to provide additional support.
3. What exactly does it do?
Before you dive into a treatment, you need to understand it in its entirety. Not all alternative treatments are intended to treat the disease. Many treat the symptoms, side effects or simply help conventional treatments work better with less toxicity. Consider your whole body when selecting a treatment regimen and make sure that you aren’t using a product that isn’t intended to assist your specific condition.
4. Does it work?
The effectiveness or efficacy of the treatment should be evaluated before you begin the treatment. Just as with the safety, there should be scientific studies (including ones on humans) that show the effectiveness of the treatment. Testimonials also provide additional support here. The necessity of scientific studies and clinical uses is paramount in selecting a treatment. This goes for conventional medicine as well!
5. Who is supporting or promoting the product?
A quality product should be supported by respectable professionals with good knowledge of the area and a good reputation. People such as health practioners and medical facilities and nutritionists are excellent sources for reliable and effective information. If a product cannot find a medical professional to support it, it probably doesn’t work very well if at all.
6. How much does the treatment cost?
One thing to keep in mind when selecting a treatment is that most insurance companies do not cover alternative therapies. Although most products are priced very reasonably, be weary of ones that are overly cheap.