Alternative Medicine Through the Eyes of a Medical Oncologist

Rather than completely rejecting alternative medicine methods thought to be beneficial, the most appropriate approach would be to question them scientifically and integrate into clinical practice those that, in particular, positively contribute to patients’ quality of life.

Alternative medicine refers to methods that mostly reject or place modern medicine in the background, have not been proven by clinical studies, and are offered to patients with the claim that they are successful in cancer treatment. Modern medicine, on the other hand, consists of methods applied by specialist physicians in their fields for the purpose of maintaining human health or restoring impaired health, whose validity has been demonstrated by scientific studies. Modern medicine and alternative medicine had been in constant conflict for many years, each consistently taking a stance that rejected the other. However, over time, both sides realized that they had been mistaken and recognized that, instead of constantly rejecting each other, they needed to begin understanding one another. While those involved in alternative medicine began to approach modern medicine after realizing that what they had was not quite so magical, practitioners of modern medicine, namely physicians, also thought that additional support could benefit patients because the methods they had at their disposal had certain side effects and sometimes did not produce results to the desired extent. For this reason, some methods used in alternative medicine have been scientifically evaluated, and those that, in particular, positively contribute to patients’ quality of life have begun to be integrated into clinical practice.

It is clear that interest in alternative medicine methods has increased considerably in recent times. Undoubtedly, the greatest factor behind this is the loss of trust we have experienced regarding our health. As we learn that many products we use in daily life—from the food and beverages we consume to the cosmetic products we use, from textile products to packaging, and even medicines—contain substances that threaten our health, distrust has now developed even toward medicines. As a result, this situation has increased the inclination toward people who claim to be interested in alternative medicine. It is precisely at this point that the greatest responsibility falls on us physicians. It is extremely important for physicians to have knowledge about these methods, evaluate those that may be beneficial, and share them with their patients.

One of the treatment methods used in alternative medicine and said to be potentially beneficial for patients is herbal therapy. These products, which are considered harmless, can sometimes cause very serious problems when used unconsciously; they may interact with medications being used, reducing the effectiveness of treatment or causing serious side effects. However, it is also not correct to say that phytotherapy (herbal therapy) is bad or that plants are useless. The positive results identified through scientific research must be acknowledged. For example, ginger is known to have a positive effect in patients experiencing nausea. Similarly, American ginseng provides some benefit against fatigue.

There is very strong evidence that acupuncture, which has no significant side effects, is effective for pain, radiotherapy-related dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, smoking cessation, and, among menopausal complaints, especially hot flashes. However, it is quite difficult to find trustworthy people who do not practice this method solely for commercial purposes. In particular, people who claim that they can treat everything with acupuncture should absolutely not be trusted and should be avoided.

Some methods such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, relaxation, religious therapies, massage, and aromatherapy help with certain problems that develop, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, fatigue, depression, and stress, providing a benefit that relaxes the person. In addition, in the method practiced under the name of reflexology, the patient is helped to relax and sleep through foot massage. Hypnosis, which is known to reduce menopausal symptoms by approximately %68, can also be used as another relaxation method. These methods, which are applied entirely for the purpose of relaxing the patient and have shown positive effects in cancer treatment, must be performed under the physician’s guidance by reliable, non-commercial, specialized practitioners.

Art therapies, however, are where words end. Memorial Antalya Health Group, Medstar Cancer Center, the first cancer center in Turkey to initiate painting activities for patients during cancer treatment, demonstrated that it had made effective touches to their inner worlds and brought everyone into this world by exhibiting these paintings, which reflected the inner worlds of cancer patients. The positive results obtained from cancer treatments, meanwhile, revealed the effect of art therapy on patients.

These alternative medicine methods, whose benefits have been observed and positive results obtained over time, have begun to be used as an additional “complementary treatment” alongside medical treatment in order to contribute to cancer treatment. Rather than completely rejecting alternative methods thought to be beneficial, the most appropriate approach would be to question them scientifically and integrate into clinical practice those that, in particular, positively contribute to patients’ quality of life. At this point, the aim should be to reduce cancer-related symptoms and the side effects of cancer treatments through alternative medicine methods. Another important point is the need for reliable people who will correctly apply these methods proven to benefit patients. It should not be forgotten that the sole aim of those who claim that alternative medicine methods are used to increase effectiveness in cancer treatment or to cure cancer is to deceive people and obtain commercial gains. For this reason, consulting your doctor at every step you take for your health and following the path they indicate is always the safest and best course for you.