Cancer Treatment Without Fraud
Prevention efforts seem to have failed. The doctor used the dreaded "C" word...cancer. Now what? We hear a lot of buzz about amazing cures and successes, "If you'll just buy my book, take my pills or visit my center." The very word, cancer, scares us so completely, we believe we're going to die any minute. Sadly, it's those fears the frauds are counting on. They want you to be so afraid you'll try anything...even their product. Many of us are so frozen in fear, we ignore that fact that many forms of cancer are treatable...often, actual cures have been developed and adopted as standard treatment for cancer. Sometimes, the fears generated by frauds can cause us to choose back-alley, ineffective treatments instead of viable ones recommended by our doctors. If we just calm down and begin to study the situation, we can often relieve our fears and make rational decisions that will avoid the frauds and help our doctors help us heal.
Natural Cancer Cure...and other fraudulent claims: Frauds come in all shapes, sizes and prices. Perhaps the biggest price people pay is chasing after these things when sound treatments are available. You will rarely hear a reputable doctor use the word, "cure," when referring to cancer. Immediately, then, a red flag should go up in your mind if someone is offering or claiming a cure. Other claims that should strike you as suspicious are ones that suggest standard cancer treatments, like radiation or chemotherapy kill people. Let's get this straight right now...people die from some types of cancer. Some terminal cancer patients choose to receive experimental treatments in a last ditch effort to try and slow the disease. For frauds to use this to get you to distrust a doctor's standard treatment, however limited the success rate, should be considered a crime. The only time you should consider experimental treatments or claims of those outside of the medical community is if you have a terminal condition and you've exhausted all accepted medical treatments. You're a grown-up, now. You should get all the objective advice and information you can, about every treatment you're considering, but people trying to sell you non-standard treatments are not objective...you need to do your own homework...and this is the most important homework assignment you may ever get .
Do Your Cancer Research: Biopsy is usually the first bit of research done to verify a suspicion of cancer. That's where the doctor collects cells for the lab to analyze. Ask your doctor for a paper copy of the test results. This will give you the exact name of the cancer, if the cancer is malignant (harmful), and other useful information. Based on this, your doctor will recommend other tests to determine the stage (extent of growth) or grade (speed of growth) and treatment options to consider. Take lots of notes and ask lots of questions! While continuing the test/treatment recommendations of your doctor, take this information to a second opinion appointment with another doctor, not associated with the first one. While doctors are highly educated, they are human. Doctors and their staffs make mistakes. Second opinions are so you can head off mistakes before they happen.
Awareness and understanding of standard treatment options, risk factors, success rates, unique terminology and second opinions will all help you be a better patient, active in the treatment of your disease. This is why, before the second opinion appointment, you need to research the information from your doctor. Search reputable sources on the Internet for everything you can find about your specific cancer. Yes, you'll need a dictionary and medical encyclopedia. A great place to begin your research is the U.S. National Cancer Institute. It's where I've found most of my reliable cancer information. Print all the information about the cancer, stages, grades, treatment options, success rates, survival rates and treatment centers. Highlight the parts that apply to you and write questions for your doctors. Take all the information with you to all your appointments with your doctors. Make sure to point out when their opinions differ and gauge their reactions. If their recommended treatments differ from what your research shows, ask them why. Some doctors will be humble, thank you, and offer to look into it further. Other doctors will need to be replaced, as was the case with my wife's father.
My father-in-law's doctor made a mistake, treating a very aggressive life-threatening cancer with cosmetic surgery. By following the steps I've listed in this article, I was able to convince the new doctors to follow-up with radiation to significantly reduce the probability of relapse. Since, with his cancer, relapse is almost always fatal, it was better to be safe, even if it cost the HMO a couple more bucks.
Some doctors and HMO's get a little confused as to who makes your health care decisions..
Cancer Treatment Team Leadership: The Oncologist (cancer doctor), your primary doctor and often other specialists are essential leaders in the successful treatment of your cancer but you are in charge. They will present you with options, including diet, supplements, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and a vast amount of information for you to digest to make informed decisions. If you do your homework, you can control the fear, eliminate the frauds, reduce the mistakes and make the right decisions in your fight against cancer.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Cancer Treatment Centers---Taking Care of Your Mind, Body And Spirit!
Cancer Treatment Centers---Taking Care of Your Mind, Body And Spirit!
If you or any one of your loved ones is diagnosed with cancer, there are a number of cancer treatment centers located all over the country. These cancer treatment centers offer a whole range of treatments, both traditional and holistic, to help treat not only cancer but also the body, mind and spirit too. A number of cancer treatment centers conduct research on an ongoing basis, and patients can take part if they qualify in a series of clinical trials. There are new cancer treatments that are developed continually, and once research has advanced to where trying it on humans is warranted, clinical trials are conducted. Great results are being seen with new cancer treatments; in comparison to the past when some types of cancer were considered as a death sentence are currently being treated successfully and hence patients can enjoy living cancer free due to this continual research.
Today cancer treatment centers are easily accessible to everyone located in many metropolitan areas. A number of them are affiliated with large university based hospitals, and provide the latest technology available to treat different types of cancers. These types of facilities are also research based and offer several new treatment alternatives to participants in a range of ongoing studies. If for any reason one of these major cancer treatment centers are not within a reasonable distance, or not accessible due to other limitations, one can receive treatment through local oncologists and cancer treatment centers. These also have good facilities, and can provide the cancer patient with professional care and support. Cancer treatment centers vary in the types of services they offer, for instance it can be traditional or alternative treatment based, and the corresponding fees may also differ. You can either find a cancer treatment center within your means as well as those that provide additional amenities and have a more non-traditional approach. Those seeking other upscale private facilities that offer gourmet organic meals, natural herbal spa treatments, and additional pampering services to the cancer patient can also be found along with deluxe room accommodations. Such type of non-traditional cancer therapies help the patient recuperate and enjoy living again.
Cancer treatment centers are no more just sterile hospital environments that offer stale food, and stiff sheets. Comfort is of utmost important for all cancer patients, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Cancer patients who are in search of a cancer treatment center can look up online for different alternatives, where a range of cancer treatments are discussed, plus other considerations such as diet and nutrition, and spiritual health. Cancer treatment centers all share the same goal, to offer the best care possible, to provide continual support to cancer patients and their families, and turn what can be a distressing situation into a more optimistic experience.
If you or any one of your loved ones is diagnosed with cancer, there are a number of cancer treatment centers located all over the country. These cancer treatment centers offer a whole range of treatments, both traditional and holistic, to help treat not only cancer but also the body, mind and spirit too. A number of cancer treatment centers conduct research on an ongoing basis, and patients can take part if they qualify in a series of clinical trials. There are new cancer treatments that are developed continually, and once research has advanced to where trying it on humans is warranted, clinical trials are conducted. Great results are being seen with new cancer treatments; in comparison to the past when some types of cancer were considered as a death sentence are currently being treated successfully and hence patients can enjoy living cancer free due to this continual research.
Today cancer treatment centers are easily accessible to everyone located in many metropolitan areas. A number of them are affiliated with large university based hospitals, and provide the latest technology available to treat different types of cancers. These types of facilities are also research based and offer several new treatment alternatives to participants in a range of ongoing studies. If for any reason one of these major cancer treatment centers are not within a reasonable distance, or not accessible due to other limitations, one can receive treatment through local oncologists and cancer treatment centers. These also have good facilities, and can provide the cancer patient with professional care and support. Cancer treatment centers vary in the types of services they offer, for instance it can be traditional or alternative treatment based, and the corresponding fees may also differ. You can either find a cancer treatment center within your means as well as those that provide additional amenities and have a more non-traditional approach. Those seeking other upscale private facilities that offer gourmet organic meals, natural herbal spa treatments, and additional pampering services to the cancer patient can also be found along with deluxe room accommodations. Such type of non-traditional cancer therapies help the patient recuperate and enjoy living again.
Cancer treatment centers are no more just sterile hospital environments that offer stale food, and stiff sheets. Comfort is of utmost important for all cancer patients, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Cancer patients who are in search of a cancer treatment center can look up online for different alternatives, where a range of cancer treatments are discussed, plus other considerations such as diet and nutrition, and spiritual health. Cancer treatment centers all share the same goal, to offer the best care possible, to provide continual support to cancer patients and their families, and turn what can be a distressing situation into a more optimistic experience.
Cancer Treatment
Cancer Treatment
According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1.4 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2005. The victims are fairly evenly divided, with males having a slight lead at 51 percent. The causes are seemingly too complicated to unravel. The effects are unfortunately too obvious.
The rise in cancer patients, combined with new access to medical research and technology, enable cancer victims to take self-education to new heights. Through their efforts, patients are often confused by the nuances between protocols for scientific experiments and the medically accepted protocols for treatment. While the two sound the same, they serve different ends. Experimental protocols are simply mechanisms for following scientific research that can be replicated and compared against an already standardized treatment to prove validity. This process may require several experiments and studies before treatment is sanctioned as a proven method that can be used on patients. Typically, insurance payers will not begin to pay for treatment until protocols have reached the medically proven stage.
The four major types of cancer treatments available today include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and biologic therapies. New treatments, such as hormone therapies with Tamoxifen and transplant options involving bone marrow, are being added to these standard procedures on a regular basis.
This widespread availability of cancer experimentation and treatment options causes confusion not only among the lay community, but among physicians and payers as well. Every day, new options appear on the horizon that show promise, but only a few become treatment protocols. As the literature about cancer research and treatment burgeons, it's increasingly difficult for anyone but an Oncology specialist to stay current with which treatments are sanctioned and which are still considered experimental.
Having access to Board-Certified Oncologists and Hematologists as part of the independent review process can help payers ensure patients receive the best medical care possible as approved by their contracts. AllMed Healthcare Management's panel of Oncology and Hematology specialists know the latest cancer treatment options and can help you, the payer, stay abreast of these advancements-now and in the future.
According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1.4 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2005. The victims are fairly evenly divided, with males having a slight lead at 51 percent. The causes are seemingly too complicated to unravel. The effects are unfortunately too obvious.
The rise in cancer patients, combined with new access to medical research and technology, enable cancer victims to take self-education to new heights. Through their efforts, patients are often confused by the nuances between protocols for scientific experiments and the medically accepted protocols for treatment. While the two sound the same, they serve different ends. Experimental protocols are simply mechanisms for following scientific research that can be replicated and compared against an already standardized treatment to prove validity. This process may require several experiments and studies before treatment is sanctioned as a proven method that can be used on patients. Typically, insurance payers will not begin to pay for treatment until protocols have reached the medically proven stage.
The four major types of cancer treatments available today include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and biologic therapies. New treatments, such as hormone therapies with Tamoxifen and transplant options involving bone marrow, are being added to these standard procedures on a regular basis.
This widespread availability of cancer experimentation and treatment options causes confusion not only among the lay community, but among physicians and payers as well. Every day, new options appear on the horizon that show promise, but only a few become treatment protocols. As the literature about cancer research and treatment burgeons, it's increasingly difficult for anyone but an Oncology specialist to stay current with which treatments are sanctioned and which are still considered experimental.
Having access to Board-Certified Oncologists and Hematologists as part of the independent review process can help payers ensure patients receive the best medical care possible as approved by their contracts. AllMed Healthcare Management's panel of Oncology and Hematology specialists know the latest cancer treatment options and can help you, the payer, stay abreast of these advancements-now and in the future.
Cancer and Mangosteen--Is Fruit the Key to Successful Treatment?
Cancer and Mangosteen--Is Fruit the Key to Successful Treatment?
Many people are wondering if there is a link between cancer and mangosteen. The question is, "Can mangosteen be used to treat cancer?" The answer to that question, as of right now, is unknown. Numerous people are seeking natural means of treating cancer, such as Noni, but it remains unclear if these natural treatments are anything more than wishful thinking. Is it a mangosteen scam or does the fruit of the mangosteen tree actually treat cancer? Here is all of the information you need to know about mangosteen and its relation to cancer.
Anti-Oxidants
It is believed that the anti-oxidants in mangosteen can aid in cancer treatment and potentially prevent individuals from developing cancer. However, there is also an unfortunate side effect to mangosteen in this particular context: it is believed that mangosteen can be so potent that it actually weakens the effectiveness of chemotherapy. This, then, raises the question, "are human beings worse off by consuming mangosteen to fight cancer?" There is a lot of speculation that supports both sides.
Consumption
Mangosteen is a tropical fruit that is grown in Africa, Asia, and other locations that are close to the equator. It is not feasible to grow it in the United States because the climate does not allow it and it is illegal to import fresh mangosteen. Therefore, in order to get the benefits of mangosteen, one must pursue other options.
One of the options available is ultra mangosteen, a compound that contains both mangosteen and goji. The other option is mangosteen puree, a juice made from the mangosteen fruit. The problem is that mangosteen rots very quickly, meaning that both of these products contain high amounts of preservatives to keep them fresh for shipping. It is these factors, the fact that you cannot get fresh mangosteen (as mangosteen products differ from consuming the fruit itself) and the preservatives that mangosteen products contain, that raise the speculation about its effectiveness as a cancer treatment.
How This All Relates to Cancer
Some people believe that the anti-oxidants in mangosteen products may be so powerful that they fight off chemo. Others believe that it could be the preservatives in these products that lessen the effectiveness of chemo. Finally, there are also people who believe that only eating the fruit itself will fight cancer, not products that contain its juices. Either way, no matter what testimonial or review you read on mangosteen, you should always discuss your use of mangosteen with you physician and never forgo your medication.
The best advice you can get about whether or not to purchase mangosteen is to consult your doctor and see what information they can provide you. Additionally, you should wait until more research and testing has been done on mangosteen before trying it for yourself. Though you may be depriving yourself of an excellent treatment option by stalling, you may also be saving yourself from gambling your life on an exotic fruit. You must decide for yourself what is right for you.
Many people are wondering if there is a link between cancer and mangosteen. The question is, "Can mangosteen be used to treat cancer?" The answer to that question, as of right now, is unknown. Numerous people are seeking natural means of treating cancer, such as Noni, but it remains unclear if these natural treatments are anything more than wishful thinking. Is it a mangosteen scam or does the fruit of the mangosteen tree actually treat cancer? Here is all of the information you need to know about mangosteen and its relation to cancer.
Anti-Oxidants
It is believed that the anti-oxidants in mangosteen can aid in cancer treatment and potentially prevent individuals from developing cancer. However, there is also an unfortunate side effect to mangosteen in this particular context: it is believed that mangosteen can be so potent that it actually weakens the effectiveness of chemotherapy. This, then, raises the question, "are human beings worse off by consuming mangosteen to fight cancer?" There is a lot of speculation that supports both sides.
Consumption
Mangosteen is a tropical fruit that is grown in Africa, Asia, and other locations that are close to the equator. It is not feasible to grow it in the United States because the climate does not allow it and it is illegal to import fresh mangosteen. Therefore, in order to get the benefits of mangosteen, one must pursue other options.
One of the options available is ultra mangosteen, a compound that contains both mangosteen and goji. The other option is mangosteen puree, a juice made from the mangosteen fruit. The problem is that mangosteen rots very quickly, meaning that both of these products contain high amounts of preservatives to keep them fresh for shipping. It is these factors, the fact that you cannot get fresh mangosteen (as mangosteen products differ from consuming the fruit itself) and the preservatives that mangosteen products contain, that raise the speculation about its effectiveness as a cancer treatment.
How This All Relates to Cancer
Some people believe that the anti-oxidants in mangosteen products may be so powerful that they fight off chemo. Others believe that it could be the preservatives in these products that lessen the effectiveness of chemo. Finally, there are also people who believe that only eating the fruit itself will fight cancer, not products that contain its juices. Either way, no matter what testimonial or review you read on mangosteen, you should always discuss your use of mangosteen with you physician and never forgo your medication.
The best advice you can get about whether or not to purchase mangosteen is to consult your doctor and see what information they can provide you. Additionally, you should wait until more research and testing has been done on mangosteen before trying it for yourself. Though you may be depriving yourself of an excellent treatment option by stalling, you may also be saving yourself from gambling your life on an exotic fruit. You must decide for yourself what is right for you.
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