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Holistic Approach
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Complementary Therapies
Please note. We do not endorse any type of treatment, whether it be conventional or
complementary. You should discuss any treatment with your Doctor before deciding on
its potential benefits or risks. The Prostate Cancer Support Association cannot give
medical advice and cannot accept responsibility for any problems that may arise from
using any form of treatment.
HOLISTIC APPROACH
A holistic approach to cancer, or any other disease derives from the premise that all
parts of each human being is interdependent, rather than independent. When something
goes wrong with one part, the whole of the person is affected. It is too simplistic,
therefore, to only look at the part that is apparently causing the problem. What we,
in the West refer to as conventional medicine usually concentrates treatment on the
part of the individual that appears to be sick or diseased. Prostate cancer would
therefore be surgically removed, treated with radiotherapy, cryo-ablation (freezing)
hormone therapy or chemotherapy. (Watchful waiting is also an option in appropriate
situations.)
Whilst not denying the possible benefits of these treatments, practitioners who use a
holistic approach would take the view that this conventional way is only part of the
answer and that cancer, like other diseases suggests that the whole person is out of
balance. This balance needs to be restored in order for the patient to stand the best
chance of recovery. Not only should our physical body be treated, but our emotional,
psychological and spiritual needs should also be considered.
This approach has met with some controversy over the years and is sometimes considered
to be an alternative to conventional medicine. There are, however, a number of medical
practitioners who see some value in a holistic approach, and feel that this can have a
positive and beneficial effect on their patients.
There are too many holistic practitioners to list, but we include two centres that are
non-profit making charities and staffed by doctors who are approved by the General
Medical Council and fully trained therapists:
Penny Brohn Cancer Care
Chapel Pill Lane
Pill
Bristol
BS20 0HH
Telephone Helpline: 0845 123 2310 (Open weekdays 9.30am. - 5.00pm.)
Email: helpline@pennybrohn.org
Website: http://www.pennybrohncancercare.org/
Park Attwood Clinic
Trimpley
Bewdley
Worcestershire
DY12 1RE
Tel: 01299 861 444
Website: http://www.parkattwood.com/
Further information is also available from:
British Holistic Association
59 Lansdowne Place
Hove East Sussex
BN3 1FL
Tel: 01273 725 951
Web site:
http:///www.bhma.org
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NUTRITION/DIET
Although there is no direct evidence that diet has a causative effect on prostate
cancer, and opinions differ regarding the role of fat in various cancers, there is a
growing body of opinion that diet may play an important role. This appears to be
particularly true of dietary fat and there have been some studies that appear to show
a strong correlation between certain types of fat and prostate cancer mortality. Some
research is highly suggestive of a link between meat products (particularly red meat)
and dairy products and the accelerated growth and spread of prostate cancer.
Some researchers in the USA have demonstrated a link between arachidonic acid and the
growth and development of prostate cancer. All tumours require a supply of blood,
which is best provided by healthy blood vessels within the tumour. Arachidonic acid
has been shown to encourage the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as
angiogenesis.
Arachidonic acid has also been shown to convert to hormones 5-HETE; 12-HETE and PGE2,
all of which have been associated disease progression.
Whilst all animals can convert plant oils, particularly linoleic acid to arachidonic
acid, it is found in high concentrations in animal products. Vegans have been found to
have much lower levels (between 10%-30% less) than meat eaters.
Antioxidants
We all know that without oxygen we would not be able to survive. Unfortunately it is a
double-edged sword, because it can convert to hydrogen peroxide. This is instrumental
in the process of the formation of free radicals, chemical compounds that can cause
tremendous damage to healthy cells.
Certain vitamins known as antioxidants can break down Free Radicals. The best known of
these are beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and vitamins C and E.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it dissolves in fat, not water. Free
Radicals attack vitamin E and both are destroyed in the process. It follows, therefore
that the greater the number of free radicals present, the more vitamin E will be
needed. In a Finnish randomised trial involving 23,000 men, those taking doses of
vitamin E of 50 International Units were far less likely to develop active prostate
cancer (32% fewer) and there were 41% fewer deaths from prostate cancer. The European
RDA is 10mg and the USA RDA is 30 International Units. It should be remembered that
the RDA is the minimum amount estimated to keep a person well. Much emphasis is placed
on reducing the possibility of damage from overdose.
Selenium
Selenium is also important in the process of destroying hydrogen peroxide. Studies
have suggested a higher incidence of prostate cancer in areas where the soil levels of
selenium are lowest and not added artificially to food supplies. Selenium is, however
toxic and it is possible to overdose. 15-30 mcg per day is the minimum recommended
daily dose and 400 mcg is the maximum recommended. It is generally recommended that
people take 200mcg if they live in a selenium deficient area, although the RDA in the
USA is between 60-75 mcg depending on body size. There is no European RDA at the
present time. In the UK proprietary brands of selenium offer between 100 and 200 mcg.
per capsule.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants. A polyphenol called
epigalliocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been found to cause the shrinkage of human
prostate cancer in mice. It is thought that drinking 10 cups of green tea could have
the effect of causing the death of some prostate cancer cells.
Fruit and vegetables
Dark green vegetables such as broccoli and fruits including raspberries and
strawberries contain high levels of Quercitin, as does chocolate and red wine.
Quercitin is a chemical that performs as an antioxidant and has also been shown to
improve the effects of radiotherapy in laboratory conditions.
Lycopene
Tomatoes and pink grapefruit contain high levels of this antioxidant. It is a
carotenoid, and is the part of the plant that allows it to develop a red colour. The
most efficient way of absorbing lycopene is by eating cooked tomatoes, but tomato
ketchup is also high in lycopene. It has been suggested that 10 servings of lycopene
per week could be beneficial to men with prostate cancer.
Genistien
Genestien is an isoflavone found in soyabeans, and may be effective in the process of
antiangiogenesis, the prevention of the formation of new blood vessels, within the
tumour. Although there have been laboratory tests, it must be pointed out that there
have been no human, randomised trials on the efficacy of genestein in prostate cancer.
Soyabeans are low in saturated fats and are virtually cholesterol-free. It reduced the
risk of calcium loss, and so reduces the risk of osteoporosis. And the risk of kidney
stones. In countries where there is a high consumption of soyabeans, there is a
greatly reduced risk of active prostate cancer. In Japan, for example, men are just as
likely to develop latent prostate cancer, but 80% less likely to develop metastatic
spread. When Japanese
men move to the West, however, and adopt a Western diet, they are equally likely to
develop metastatic spread as Western men. It is possible, however, that there are
factors unrelated to genestein that may be responsible for the differences.
Plain, dark chocolate
Cocoa butter contains high levels of stearic acid. In one USA study, there was a
reported association between a 70% reduction of metastatic prostate cancer and the
ingestion of stearic acid. Under laboratory conditions stearic acid has been shown to
inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells, but again there have been no randomised
human trials to date.
Ref: Charles E. "Snuffy" Myers, Jr. MD, Sara Sgarlat Steck, RT,
Rose Sgarlat Myers, PT,Phd. 'Eating Your Way to Better Health - The Prostate Forum
Nutrition Guide'
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COUNSELLING
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is, for most of us, a shocking and confusing
experience. There is no right or wrong way to react and we, who receive the diagnosis,
and those close to us will probably experience a range of thoughts and emotions that
may add to our discomfort. We may also have to make decisions about our lives and
treatment at a time when we are least well equipped to do so.
Talking about our thoughts, feelings and emotions can help us and our loved ones to a
greater understanding of what is happening to us and may help us to arrive at the
decisions that are best for us. It is important to talk to each other at this time,
but there may be some things that are easier to discuss with someone who is detached
from our personal lives. There are different ways of receiving the type of help that
may be right for you. For example, you may find that talking to another person with
the same type of cancer as yourself is helpful, or you may find that a support group
is the most appropriate way of obtaining what you need. Alternatively you may prefer a
more formal therapy that can best be provided by a qualified counsellor.
Talking to a qualified counsellor can be very helpful, but unfortunately many hospital
departments and doctors' surgeries do not have the resources to employ enough
counsellors. Often there are counsellors within the community, who make no charge, or
will charge according to ability to pay, but in most cases providing this service is
the profession and livelihood of the counsellor who will therefore charge a fee for
each session.
It is important to choose a counsellor with whom you are comfortable and feel is right
for you. You can obtain more information on counselling and information about BAC
counsellors in your area by contacting:
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
BACP House
35-37 Albert Street
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV21 2SG
Tel: 0870 443 5161
Website: www.bacp.co.uk
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VISUALISATION
How the mind and body work together in a holistic way is fundamental to the theories
involved in visualisation. It has long been acknowledged that a person's psychological
and emotional situation has the ability to negatively influence health. Visualisation
takes this concept a step further and takes the view that if the mind can make one
ill, it is also possible for it to assist in recovery of illness, given the right
circumstances.
Some researchers have concluded that an optimistic approach to cancer can improve
quality and length of life. In a 20 year study, involving 20,000 patients with various
types of cancer, Helm Stierlin and Ronald Grossarth-Maticek concluded that those
patients who were able to engage with their cancer survived an average of 12.6 years
after diagnosis, while those who were unable to engage with their cancer survived an
average of 2.8 years after diagnosis. Other studies suggest that patients who
experience untreated depression often do not respond to treatment as well as could be
expected.
The method for participating in visualisation may appear a little strange or difficult
for some people at first; with practice it generally becomes easier. It is important
that you try to eliminate any preconceived ideas about visualisation and simply go
with your own experience.
How to do it
Relaxation
1. Find somewhere comfortable and quiet to sit and make sure everyone knows you are
not to be disturbed.
2. Sit comfortably, with your feet flat on the floor.
3. Make yourself aware of your surroundings and your breathing.
4. Breath deeply in and out a few times, trying to breath into your diaphragm
(stomach) first rather than your chest.
5. Now try to breathe more gently and relaxed, and as you breathe in be aware of any
tensions you have throughout your body. As you breathe out mentally try to relax those
areas one by one.
6. Start with your feet and work your way up your body, section by section, moving
from your feet to:
Legs
Knees
Thighs
Hips
Stomach
Chest
Lower back
Upper back
Fingers
Wrists
Forearms
Upper arms
Shoulders
Neck and throat
Face
Head
Try tensing each of these parts as you breath in and releasing the tension as you
breath out.
7. When you are quite relaxed enjoy the feeling for a few moments.
Mental Imagery
1. While you are relaxed and when you are ready start to visualise your cancer as it
appears to you at this moment. This can be done symbolically and it really does not
matter how you see it; there is no right or wrong way. Some people see their cancer as
cabbages or cauliflower's, or frogspawn; it is entirely a personal thing.
2. Visualise any treatment you are on, again in a symbolic way, if you choose. For
example, you may see radiotherapy as light beams that are able to destroy the cancer
cells while leaving healthy cells undamaged. You may see hormone therapy, or
chemotherapy, as a substance that will be poisonous only to your cancer cells, and
again harmless to other cells.
3. See this treatment reaching the cancer cells, which are weak and damaged and watch
them destroy the cancer.
4. Watch the tumours shrinking and getting smaller, like a balloon going down.
5. Continue watching as the cancer cells die and then see your white blood cells clear
them away.
6. Picture your immune system attacking any cancer cells that have not already been
destroyed.
7. Imagine yourself well and happy.
8. See yourself like this for as long as you like.
9. Bring yourself slowly back to the awareness of your physical surroundings.
10. When you are ready, open your eyes and have a stretch. Stay seated for a little
while, until you feel ready to move.
Two North American doctors who used this method with many cancer patients - Carl and
Stephanie Simonton - reported very encouraging results in their book 'Getting Well
Again' ISBN 0-553-17272-7
The well known physician and naturapath, Dr. Jan de Vries has also written about
visualisation in his book 'Cancer and Leukemia, An Alternative Approach' ISBN 1-85158
-649-0
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AROMATHERAPY
The use of herbs and aromatics in the treatment of ailments has existed since very
early times. Documentation of their use has been discovered in China from as far back
as 2500 BC. And 2000-year-old texts have been discovered in India.
In years gone by, aromatic substances were traded for other goods and were highly
sought in Egypt, Greece and Rome. Ancient Greek physicians recorded the stimulating or
sedative effects of aromatic flowers and Dioscorides wrote a 5 volume study of the use
of herbs and aromatic plants in the first century AD. This study influenced physicians
for the next several hundred years.
The use of aromatics was very prevalent until the 17th century when scientific
progress resulted in a move towards the use of chemical drugs. The use of aromatics,
although subdued, did not, however disappear altogether and new techniques allowed for
the creation of an increasing number of new essences for wider use.
Early in the 20th century Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French scientist and medical
practitioner, began researching treatments with what came to be known as essential
oils.
His results were published in 'Aromatherapie' in 1937, a book that was to influence
those who had an interest in the connection between mind, spirit and physical body.
Aromatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils in holistic treatments to improve
physical and emotional well-being. There are some 400 essential oils extracted from
plants all over the world. Essential oils possess distinctive therapeutic properties,
which can be utilised to improve health and prevent disease. Both their physiological
and psychological effect combine to promote positive health. These natural plant oils
are applied in a variety of ways, including massage, baths and inhalations. They are
readily absorbed through the skin and have gentle physiological effects. Aromatherapy,
often used alongside conventional medicine, is an especially effective treatment for
stress- related problems and a variety of chronic conditions including HIV and cancer.
For further information on training or to obtain referral of local aromatherapists
contact:
Aromatherapy Consortium
PO Box 6522
Desborough
Kettering
Northants
NN14 2YX
Tel/Fax: 0870 7743477
Monday- Friday 10.00am-2.00pm
E-mail: info@aromatherapy-regulation.org.uk
Website: http://www.aromatherapy-regulation.org.uk
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REFLEXOLOGY
Like acupuncture and acupressure which has its origins in oriental medicine,
reflexology is based on the theory that health is governed by the balance of physical,
emotional and spiritual energy. This energy is thought to flow through invisible
channels in the body. When the channels are blocked, we become ill. Reflexologists aim
to stimulate the body's own healing responses by clearing the blocked channels.
The principle behind reflexology is that there are 10 channels running down the body
and 3 running across. All of these channels are mirrored in the feet and hands, which
contain reflex points that relate to every part of the body. By feeling the feet, or
hands, a trained and experienced reflexologist can determine where the energy is
blocked. Massaging the appropriate point is thought to unblock the energy by
stimulating the nervous system and blood circulation. Proponents of reflexology
believe that this helps the body's natural balance to return and assist with the
improvement of well being and health.
Many cancer centres now have fully trained reflexologists working with cancer
patients.
For further information about reflexology, contact:
Association of Reflexologists
5 Fore Street,
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 1HX
Tel: 0870 567 3320
E-mail: info@aor.org.uk
Website: www.aor.org.uk
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MISTLETOE
The therapeutic benefits of mistletoe therapy were discovered by Dr. Ita Wegman, a
Swiss doctor of medicine and Dr. Rudolph Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, in the
1920's. It has since been discovered that properties within mistletoe (Viscum Album)
demonstrate immuno-stimulatory and cytotoxic effects. The most commonly used
preparations are called Abnobaviscum and Iscador.
Both Abnobaviscum and Iscador are only available on prescription and should only be
used under the supervision of a medical practitioner. As there are relatively few
doctors in the UK with experience of the use of mistletoe therapy, it is important to
seek out a practitioner with a good degree of knowledge and understanding. The correct
type, strength and frequency of treatment are all very important and it is likely your
general practitioner will not have adequate experience of mistletoe therapy.
How is it used?
The most frequently prescribed route of administration is by subcutaneous injection,
if possible near to the site of the tumour. It is usual for patients to be taught how
to inject themselves, in the same way that a person with diabetes would do it. In some
cases it is possible to receive the preparation directly into the tumour, or
intravenously, but these methods are largely irrelevant to men with prostate cancer.
In any event, it should only be administered in these forms by a suitably qualified
medical practitioner.
Although extracts of viscum (mistletoe) can be taken orally under special
circumstances, this is generally not considered to be the route of choice of
administration. It is thought that enzymes in the saliva and digestion can damage the
substance before it has a chance to be of any benefit.
Effects
Patients usually report a swelling and reddening at the site of the injection, with a
mild irritation. This is often accompanied by a slight increase in temperature. This
is thought to be a good indication that the substance is generating a beneficial
immuno response.
It has been shown to stimulate and strengthen the immune system and thereby support
the body in fighting the cancer. It has also been shown that it can be of assistance
in alleviating nausea, sleeplessness, depression and pain, thereby improving the
quality of life.
For further information on mistletoe therapy, contact:
Park Attwood Clinic
Trimpley Lane
Bewdley
Worcestershire DY12 1RE
Tel: 01299 861 444
E-mail: info@parkattwood.org
Website:http://www.parkattwood.org
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