Cancer begins when cells in our body grow abnormally. Thus, every cell in our body has a potential to become a cancer. For women, two of the most common types of cancers that affect them are breast cancer and cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the type of cancer wherein abnormal cells grow in the cervix. The cervix is found in the lower part of the uterus and has two different parts and these are covered with various cells: endocervix and exocervix. The most common cause of cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 13,240 new cases of invasive cancer will be diagnosed and about 4,170 women will die from cervical cancer in the USA this 2018. The current statistics makes cervical cancer one of the deadliest types of cancer and one the most common causes of death in American women. Usually occurring in midlife, cervical cancer is often diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44 and seldom appears and develops in women younger than 20. But as the years pass by and with massive awareness drive and technological and medical breakthroughs, cancer death rate dropped significantly because of Pap test, emphasizing that early detection helps in the treatment of cancer.
For women with cervical cancer already, everything can be really tough. However, women are offered with varied treatments available already in the medical field. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are the most common treatments for cancer. In surgery, the part affected by cancer or some of it will be taken out (note that surgery is not for all types of cancer, e.g., leukemia is treated with drugs); in chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill cancer cells to slow their growth; and in radiation, high-energy radiation is used to kill or slow cancer cells.
Aside from the abovementioned options, there are other uncommon options in treating cervical cancer. These are Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Palliative or Supportive Care.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
It might be inappropriate anymore to consider complementary and alternative medicine an uncommon option for cancer treatment. Treatments that are considered complementary are constantly changed because they usually undergo testing and when proven effective will be considered as mainstream treatment. To say complementary and alternative means natural products, mind and body practices, and other complementary health approaches that are not part of mainstream medicine. Some of these are called complementary because they are used together with the usual medical treatment and some are called alternative because they are used instead of proven and tested treatments. These include naturally made products, mind and body practices, and other approaches. Herbal remedies include ginseng, gingko and Echinacea, and dietary supplements selenium, glucosamine sulfate, and SAMe are considered natural products and these products may be consumed as teas, oils, syrups, powders, tablets, or capsules. Supplements such as vitamins, herbs, and minerals are made from plants while some are made from animal parts, seafood, fungus, yeasts, algae, and other extracts and food substances. Some common available products are powdered amino acids, enzymes, energy bars, and liquid food supplements. It is important to note that these products are manufactured or formulated under careful and strict conditions in well-maintained and clean laboratories, while also ensuring accurate labeling. On the other hand, there are techniques that strengthen the communication between the body and mind which in turn helps in curing cancer or even aiding in improving quality of life. These are called mind and body techniques which include meditation, prayer, relaxation, and art therapies. The concept of this treatment is that there is an invisible force which flows in our body that when blocked or unbalanced we become sick. Traditionally, this is called as chi, prana, and life force. Qi gong, healing touch, and reiki are some of the energy therapies; moreover, there are complementary health approaches that focus on a clear system unlike just a single practice. These are ancient healing systems like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy which centers on noninvasive treatments to help our body heal by itself with varied practices like acupuncture, herbal medicines, massage, exercise, and even lifestyle management.
CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is preferred by some because of fewer side effects and it is also hassle-free since there will be fewer intakes of medicines. Note that these methods should be done only by a person who have intensive knowledge and had undergone relevant trainings. Sometimes the methods can be costly while others are not. With regard to its efficacy, most of the treatments under Complementary and Alternative Medicine are not yet proven effective so when deciding to apply this option for cervical cancer, one must consult professionals and do research.
Palliative or Supportive Care
People call cancer the BIG C. The Big C has made everyone fair when it comes to this disease because it affects people from all walks of life, rich or poor, white or black. Having this excruciatingly debilitating disease makes one’s quality of life challenged, and though there will be treatments, it is important that loved ones or family of a person with cancer should be around offering support and love—this is the premise of Palliative or Supportive Care. Although quite challenging, Palliative or Supportive Care focuses on easing the suffering and improving quality of life of cancer patients and their families. With palliative care, patients are relieved from symptoms common in cancer such as nausea, pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, etc. It is also exciting to emphasize that palliative care not only addresses the disease but also treats everything about the person…that is why palliative care is applicable to people with life-threatening diseases aside from cancer. Before palliative care is only regarded as an option in improving the quality of life, but now after constant research, medical professionals are now viewing this option as part of the treatment. Comfort care, supportive care, and symptom management are some of the common names of palliative care. This option is at first available in in-hospital setting and long-term care facility, but outpatient clinic/setting is now allowed and available.
Palliative care specialists compose a team that may include doctors, nurses, registered dieticians, psychologists, religious people, and pharmacists. They work together with the oncology care team in managing and maintaining quality of life patients. As stated above, palliative care deals with holistic treatment. Physical issues, emotional and coping strategies, spiritual guidance, and practical needs are offered in this kind of treatment. All aspects of a patient’s life is being monitored and managed just to ensure that he will have a less painful life. Palliative care is taken at any point after the diagnosis while also taking standard cancer treatment. As for its efficacy, according to studies, cancer patients are less likely to be re-admitted to the hospital, had less time in intensive care units, and do not suffer extreme and severe episodes of symptoms. In 2010, a lung cancer study showed two different sets of cancer patients, i.e., those who received cancer treatment with palliative care and those who received cancer treatment without palliative care; the result was astonishing since those who received cancer treatment with palliative care lived longer than 3 months than those who received cancer treatment without palliative care.
With all these, Liger Medical Global brings everyone all necessary equipment/products for women’s health care, especially those with diseases such as cancer in all forms. As one of the most reliable cervical cancer organizations, Liger Medical Global is passionate in providing cost-effective services and products necessary in taking care one’s health. In fact, they offer products that are vital for electrosurgery or in esu medical, which is one of the most advanced treatments for cancer.
Fighting cancer is never an easy feat but one should never let his guard down. The world is constantly looking for treatments that will finally put an end to this disease. One just have to remember that everyday life will always be on our hands…we can and will always choose to live and fight.
