The interaction between illness and treatment is often described as a problem and a solution. If we hold that premise, then cancer can best be described as a friend who suddenly become an enemy.
The word 'cancer' actually describes a vast number of different conditions, all resulting from the same basic problem. There is a malfunction of the instructions controlled by the DNA of a cell. Furthermore, the belief system we learned from our parents and forefathers is that cancer is incurable. We have been conditioned to think that way.
The natural process of life ensures that a large portion of our cells are replaced as they wear out. According to many estimates, ninety-nine percent of our cells are different today than they were a year ago. These cells simply and continuously divide albeit at varying rates depending on the cell types.
This cell division is the biological mechanism that allows us to live as long as we do, as damaged and worn out cells are replaced with new and healthy cells. When something goes wrong with the duplication process, then we have problematic and unhealthy cells.
The fact that this problem even exists is actually incredible in its own way, because DNA contain organic chemicals to repair damaged DNA. These chemicals are designed to proofread the programs in cells to prevent incorrect copying, remove damaged portions and insert correct replacements and generally ensure that the cells do not go haywire.
So, when a cell manages to get around the built in protection process, the cell can quickly become lethal. The damaged portion of the instructions tells the cell to divide endlessly. Every divided cell has the same damaged programs and divides endlessly, which can quickly become an escalating problem.
Orthodox medicine or allopathic medicine or Western medicine has been very successful during the last fifty years. However, the major weakness of orthodox medicine is in the treatment of cancer.
Chemotherapy, x-ray irradiation and surgical removal are the three major methods of clinical intervention used by doctors. These are less successful than other allopathic branches of medicine because the side effects are commonly out of proportion to the benefits for the patients. It is not possible to destroy cancerous cells without also killing healthy cells. There are many other methods. But, overall, medical technology has not yet reach a level where we are able to laser target the cancer cells without injuring the normal healthy cells.
How about an amazing variety of alternative treatments? I was very often asked these questions. It is likely that you will not likely hear much from your doctor. Why? Because generally they do not work. Some are financially motivated. Most are biased with commercial interest. Some are faith healers. Some are used for psychological reasons , some for cultural reasons, and so on.
So, what works? Lifestyle modification works, looking after your overall health works. However, these may not be enough to get you out of your cancer.
Overall, there is a trade off on how you prefer to deal with your cancer. Basic knowledge would enable you to make better choices. The more relevant knowledge you have the better would be your choice.
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About the author
DR SOON is a medical practitioner. He holds four degrees. MBBS (University of Malaya), MBA (University of East Asia), LLB (Hons) (University of Wolverhampton), Master of Medicine (Edith Cowan University
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