Alternative therapies

Many people with an early-stage cancer can be cured by conventional cancer treatments.

But some people might choose an alternative therapy because they:

• feel that cancer treatments cannot help them
• feel that cancer treatments could be harmful
• are concerned about the side effects of conventional cancer treatments.

When you read or hear about alternative therapies, they can sound very effective. And for people who have a cancer that cannot be cured, or who have been told there is no further treatment available, looking for an alternative treatment may seem a good option.

But if a cancer cannot be cured by conventional cancer treatment, it will not be cured with an alternative therapy. Also, some alternative therapies:

• can cause harm
• may interact with other medicines, which can also be harmful
• can be expensive and can lead to people having large bills or a lot of debt.

Remember that even when a cancer is advanced, cancer treatments can help control it and help people live longer.

If you are thinking about using an alternative therapy, talk to your cancer doctor or specialist nurse first. They can give you advice and support as you decide what to do. They can talk to you about issues you need to think about.

If you are unsure about the conventional cancer treatments you are offered, you may want to get a second medical opinion. This means asking a different doctor if they agree with your diagnosis or treatment. If the second doctor gives you the same advice, this can reassure you. They may also give you other treatment options to think about. You might want to ask if there are any clinical trials that might be suitable for you.

If you are thinking of using an alternative therapy, it is important to check it is as safe as possible. Find out as much as you can about the therapist and the therapy before you start any treatment.

Alternative therapies can be expensive, and some can cause serious side effects. Your healthcare team may advise you against using alternative therapies.

Cannabis contains substances called cannabinoids.

2 of the main cannabinoids tested in medicines are:

• THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabidiol)
• CBD (cannabidiol).

Cannabis oil is available online. There are different types. Cannabis oil can contain different amounts of THC and CBD. CBD oil is also sold in some shops, such as health food shops. It can be sold in the UK as a food supplement.

At the moment, there is no reliable medical evidence to show whether cannabis, in any form, can effectively and safely treat cancer in humans.

If you are thinking about using cannabis oil or CBD oil, there are some important things to consider:

• THC and products that contain THC are illegal in the UK.
• THC in cannabis oil can cause side effects, such as an increased heart rate, dizziness, hallucinations, paranoia and feeling stoned.
• CBD and THC can affect how some medicines work. Tell your doctor if you are taking CBD oil while taking any other medicine.

Metabolic treatments usually include following a strict diet and treatments to clear the bowel. They can vary from one therapist to another. One of the most well-known therapies is called the Gerson therapy or Gerson diet. This may include:

• a diet of raw fruit and vegetables, taken as an hourly glass of freshly prepared juice
• a diet with no fat or salt (sodium)
• a diet with low animal protein
• vitamin, mineral and other chemical supplements
• regular coffee enemas.

These are said to flush toxins out of the body. But there is no medical evidence to show that they help treat cancer.

If you are thinking of using a metabolic therapy, get advice from your cancer doctor, specialist nurse or dietitian.

People who promote metabolic therapy believe that cancer is caused by a build-up of toxic substances in the body. They claim that metabolic therapy can treat cancer by removing toxins and strengthening the immune system to allow the body to heal naturally. There is no scientific evidence to show that these claims are true.

Studies have looked at the Gerson therapy and the claims it makes. None have shown that Gerson therapy has successfully treated cancer. It is difficult to know much about the health of people who have used the Gerson therapy, as record-keeping is poor.

Possible side effects of metabolic or Gerson therapy include:

• nausea (feeling sick)
• vomiting (being sick)
• stomach cramps
• a high temperature
• aches and pains.

The limited diet can cause nutrient deficiencies including protein and vitamin D. The risks of using coffee enemas include infections and serious damage to the large bowel.

This therapy involves taking very large doses of vitamins as a way of preventing and treating cancer. There is currently no evidence that taking large doses of vitamins is helpful in treating cancer. Some vitamins can be harmful in high doses.

High-dose vitamin C is one of the most common types of megavitamin therapy. Studies looking at the role of vitamin C and cancer have had varying results. Some studies have suggested that very high doses of vitamin C given into the bloodstream (intravenously) may have a beneficial effect for some people with cancer. But studies also suggest that vitamin C may make some chemotherapy drugs less effective. More research needs to be done.

It is important to tell your cancer doctor if you are thinking of having high-dose vitamin C.

High-dose vitamin C is not suitable for people who have:

• kidney problems
• a condition that causes iron overload (haemachromatosis)
• a G6PDH deficiency.

Black salve can have serious side effects. When the scab falls off, there can be permanent damage to the skin and tissue beneath. Some people using it have been permanently disfigured. It can also leave behind an open wound which is prone to infection.

If you are thinking of using black salve, it is important to talk to your cancer doctor.