Alternative cancer treatments also called complementary treatments are non-traditional methods of diagnosing, preventing, or treating cancer. A good amount of cancer patients find these therapies as good alternatives to relieve side effects or symptoms, ease pain, and make their lives more comfortable during treatment.

Mind, body, and spirit alternative cancer treatments are non-traditional methods that promote optimistic attitude and a healthy spirit to give positive physical results. Mind-body medicine is founded on an area of care, Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). It is the study of how the mind affects the body. Psycho, being the patient’s state of thinking, mood, and emotions while Neuro, being the neurological and neuroendocrine systems of the body. Immunology pertains to the patient’s cellular structure and immune system.

The spiritual well being is another important aspect of alternative cancer treatments as it is said to be an important part of daily life many cancer patients and may be a vital part that lets them cope with cancer and its treatments. Some cancer centers give importance to spiritual or pastoral care teams that provide spiritual support for patients and their family members where patients may include spiritual counseling as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Oncology rehabilitation or “manual healing and physical touch” alternative cancer treatments include non-traditional therapy that covers, but is not limited to, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, acupuncture, and reflexology. Physical therapy aims to improve the patient’s quality of life and independence by improving physical activity and comfort. Occupational therapy is geared toward assisting and training patients to perform daily activities as independently as possible. Speech-language pathology helps patients relay their wants and needs clearly and easily, it also assists in eating and swallowing. Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that uses sterile needles applied to areas of the body called “acupoints” which stimulates energy flow or “chi”. Reflexology is a treatment which uses pressure applied to specific areas of the feet or hands aiming to relieve various problems and balance flow of vital energy throughout the body. Other therapies under oncology rehabilitation are electromagnetic therapy, heat therapy, light therapy, magnetic therapy, neural therapy, etc.

Herbs, vitamins, and minerals are used as alternative cancer treatments used in naturopathic medicine. It refers to the use of nature’s healing power to maintain and restore health. Naturopathic practitioners specialize in natural health care with the use of therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and more to support holistic being, with emphasis on building health.

Nutrition Therapy is another alternative cancer treatment that focuses on diet and nutrition. Such therapy may include fasting, juicing, and other dietary practices. Nourishing the body with healthy, well-balanced diets is a way to help in the fight against cancer. Prevention of malnutrition and provision of adequate nutrition is essential during the treatment period. Nutrition therapy may be integrated into a comprehensive cancer healthcare plan. Personalized nutrition plans are designed to keep patients nourished, relieve side effects, and enhance overall well-being and quality living.

Pharmacological and biological treatment are alternative cancer treatments aimed to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells which may involve any of, but not limited to, the following: antineoplaston therapy, cell therapy, chelation therapy, di bella therapy, enzyme therapy, immune-augmentative therapy.

Pain management programs are alternative cancer treatments aimed to address common pain problems among cancer patients. As the treatment methods are expected to have side effects on patients including pain, pain management can reduce discomfort which can give patients better quality of life.

Among all other diseases, the most common disease that makes a number of women to suffer these days is the breast cancer. Not only that it makes women suffer but it is also increasing the number of womens death rate yearly. Because of this increasing rate, people who are experts when it comes to medicine have developed a lot of ways to examine if they have early stages of cancer to prevent it.

Aside from breast cancer examination, experts in the medical field tries to develop new treatment methods in order to help lower down womens death rate because of breast cancer. For more than several years, lumpectomies and mastectomies have been the undisputable way of treating cancer. However, they can have their own benefits and also disadvantages for women. As an example, lumpectomy will still need to require several days or weeks of post-operative treatments or procedures through radiation or therapy. Mastectomy on the other hand, has several complications during the operation.

But new treatments for breast cancer are already available in the market these days because of the advancement of medical sciences. Medicines have been developed in order to keep women safe from potential hazard from breast cancer.

The first drug is Abraxane. This is being used for chemotherapy and is considered to be more effective than the others. The medicines used for chemotherapies in the past are having some problems being diluted in water. Because of this, they should be given to the patients in the form of solvent which increases the side effects such as rashes and others. With this, the patient will be able to continue with the medication and get treated with cancer.

The next medicine is going to take care of the genes itself called Herceptin. One of the main reasons why breast cancer is growing is because of genes that are making breast cancer cells grow uncontrollably. This medicine can be incorporated with chemotherapy or not have proven that they have been a good help for women who have cancer because they have controlled the gene and thus stopping the multiplication of cancer cells.

Radiation therapy is also available for women who are suffering from breast cancer. They are offering precise treatments for patients by targeting down the cancer cell and prevent them from growing. However, even though it is a very precise process of eliminating the cancer cells, it is undeniable that even normal cells can also be affected and damaged. There are also other medicines that can be optional inclusion for chemotherapies. In this way, you will definitely increase the chances of the cancer cells to be treated totally.

Because of these treatment options, the patients need not despair about getting treatment. They can just go ahead with it in order to stop the growth of the cancer cells and thus increase the survival rates of the patients. And with all the new technology, it will be possible that new treatments will then again be developed for the benefits of the patients surviving this disease.

Two types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Non-small cell lung cancers are more often diagnosed. About 80 percent of lung cancer cases account to non-small cell lung cancers. They are divided into three types: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas. Small cell lung cancers arise in the lung tissue. They spread more rapidly than most non-small cell lung cancers. About 20 percent of lung cancers account to small cell lung cancer.

Prognostic factors in non-small cell lung cancer include the presence of pulmonary symptoms, cancer size, histology, staging, the extent of metastases, and vascular invasion. Patients who are considered inoperable, have lower lung cancer survival rate. Such prognostic factors include performance status, gender, cancer stage, and involvement of the central nervous system (liver) upon diagnosis. Prognosis for non-small cell lung carcinoma is generally poor.

Prognostic factors in small cell lung carcinoma depend on the stage defined as limited (cancer is found in one lung, tissues in between lungs, and nearby lymph nodes) or extensive (metastasis). The prognosis is also generally poor with an overall lung cancer survival rate of 5 percent. Patients diagnosed with extensive stage have a survival rate of less than 1 percent.

Lung cancer is usually diagnosed during a stage when it has already spread to other parts of the body which is why the chances of survival are low. Lung cancer survival rates depend on the type of lung cancer, stage, and the general physical well-being of the patient. Due to the advancements in research and medical practices, the survival rates are slowly but steadily increasing over time.

Survival rates, however, are not accurate measures to be used in any individual case. Only medical practitioners looking into particular cancer conditions can define or estimate the survival rate of a lung cancer patient.

For limited stage small cell lung cancer, the lung cancer survival rate ranges from 15 to 25 percent. In this stage, the cancer is limited to one of the lungs, the mediastinum, and adjacent lymph nodes. Early diagnosis may indicate that the cancer is only limited and may be partly cured by radiation and chemotherapy. Nevertheless, only 20 to 30 percent are diagnosed early.

For extended stage small cell lung cancer, the lung cancer survival rate ranges from 0 to 2 percent. Because most of small cell lung cancers are detected when proliferation has traveled to other body parts, the focus is directed to palliative care.

For stage 0 non-small cell, the lung cancer survival rate ranges from 70 to 80 percent. Diagnosis in the earliest stage indicates that the cancer is confined to a specific area and in the first few layers of the cells. At this point, it may be cured and the survival rate is high.

For stage I non-small cell, the lung cancer survival rate is 50 percent. The cancerous cells are already manifested in the lungs and the normal tissue around them. However, lung cancer is still considered localized and can be surgically removed.

For stage II non-small cell, the lung cancer survival rate is 30 percent. The cancerous cells have already invaded the lymph nodes adjacent to the lungs. The roots of the cancer are moderately spread and results to a decline in the survival chance.

For stage III non-small cell, the lung cancer survival rate ranges from 5 to 20 percent. This stage indicates wide spread of the cancerous cells. Invasion is evident in the chest wall, diaphragm, and nearby organs and blood vessels. Possible metastases may be found in mediastinum.

For stage IV non-small cell, the lung cancer survival rate is less than 2 percent. The metastases have spread to distant organs through the blood and the chances of survival drop to a very low level.

Liver cancer refers to malignant growths that arise in the liver. Cancer cells found in the liver that originated in another organ are called liver metastases. The liver is found below the right lung and under the ribcage. It is divided into two lobes: the right and the left. The liver obtains protein from the portal vein. The portal vein carries nutrient-rich blood from the intestines to the liver. The hepatic artery provides oxygen-rich blood to the liver.

Cancers that start in the liver are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatoblastoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma, normally diagnosed among younger individuals, contains variations of HCC and cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatoblastoma, normally diagnosed among children, is mostly a tumor form in the right lobe that can spread to other parts of the body. Cholangiocarcinoma or bile duct cancer start in the small tubes (bile ducts) that carry bile to the gallbladder. Angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma are rare forms of cancer that arise in the blood vessels which grow quickly and by the time they are found, they are too widespread to be removed making patients live shorter than a year in most cases.

The treatment of liver cancer may present the difference between life and death. Some of the treatments available are surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, hyperthermia, radiation therapy, and radiosurgery.

Liver Cancer Prognosis depends on many variables like the extent of the cancer, metastases, general physical health, and the impact on the liver. Treatment centers are aimed towards improving liver cancer prognosis and the patients’ health and quality living.

There are diagnostic techniques that help physicians determine the progression or stage of the disease. A more accurate liver cancer prognosis results to a treatment plan that will best address the needs of the individual. The American Joint Committee on Cancer’s TNM system is used to aid in liver cancer staging. Such system defines the size and location of the tumor, invasion of the regional lymph nodes, and extent of the liver cancer metastasis.

“T Staging” determines the tumor count. T1 means there is no invasion caused by a single tumor. T2 means the single tumor invaded blood vessels. T2 also refers to multiple tumors smaller than a diameter of 5cm. T3 means multiple tumors are greater than 5cm in diameter. T3 also refers to a tumor affecting a major blood vessel. T4 is the invasion of a nearly organ apart from the gallbladder. T4 also refers to a tumor invasion of the liver’s covering or visceral peritoneum.

“N Staging” determines tumor location based on region. NX means the regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed. N0 means the cancer has not metastasized to regional lymph nodes. N1 means the cancer has reached regional lymph nodes.

“M Staging” determines the tumor location based on the distance reached from the primary location. MX means distant metastasis cannot be assessed. M0 means the cancer has not metastasized to other distant organs or lymph nodes. M1 means the cancer has metastasized to distant organs or lymph nodes, or both.

TNM stages are combined into the generally used Roman numeral staging from 0 to IV where the greater the stage, the more advanced and dangerous the disease.

Non-small cell lung cancers are grouped together because they display similar prognosis and management options. These sub-types are adenocarcinoma lung cancer, squamous cell lung cancer, and large cell lung cancer.

Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that arises in a glandular tissue. The tissue is also part of a larger category, the epithelial. Adenocarcinomas, do not have to be part of the gland. As long as they have secretory properties, they can be classified as adenocarcinomas. Such form of carcinoma occurs in few higher mammals including man. Through biopsy, a pathologist determines if the tumor is an adenocarcinoma or another type of cancer. Adenocarcinoma can originate in many tissues of the body. Each gland does not secrete the same substance but for as long as there is an exocrine function to the cell, it is considered glandular. A malignant form therein is named “adenocarcinoma”. Abnormal tissue that is considered benign (not malignant) is called “adenoma”. Adenomas typically do not invade other tissues and rarely spread or metastasize as opposed to adenocarcinomas that invade other tissues and metastasize.

Adenocarcinoma lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer in patients who have never smoked all their lives. It accounts to about 10 percent of lung cancers. Unlike small cell and squamous cell lung cancer, this cancer is commonly seen peripherally in the lungs. Smokers may also be diagnosed in smokers but not as usual as it would be found in non-smokers. In a biopsy, adenocarcinoma lung cancer tends to stain musin positive as it is derived from the lung glands that produce mucus. Well differentiated adenocarcinoma lung cancer resembles the normal glandular structure. Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma lung cancer doesn’t resemble the normal glands.

A number of factors including the extent of the disease, general health condition, and metastases help determine the most appropriate cancer treatment combinations.

Conventional treatment options may be used to treat adenocarcinoma lung cancer. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are three common forms of cancer treatment that have been used for many years. For certain types of cancer cases, surgery is the most common way to remove tumor growths. Radiation therapy, which involves the use of high energy rays to kill or impede tumor growth, may be used in combination with other forms of cancer treatment. It is also an alternative when surgery cannot be an option. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of malignancies. It is often paired with other forms of cancer treatment. Doctors control how chemotherapy is administered to manage dosage allowing the patient to tolerate the side effects that are expected.

Immunotherapy or biotherapy, a less common treatment for adenocarcinoma lung cancer, uses the body’s immune system to fight the cancer or reduce the side effects of therapies. A physician can assess a particular cancer case and see if it may be an appropriate course of treatment for a patient.

In addition to a number of advanced conventional treatment options, alternative or complementary treatment for adenocarcinoma lung cancer may be available. These non-conventional are designed to create personalized treatment plans that help patients focus on healing. Examples of these therapies are geared toward nutrition, pain management, naturopathy, spiritual, mind-body, etc.

The lungs lying above the diaphragm and under the rib cage make up one of the largest organs in the body. The lungs take carbon dioxide from the bloodstream in exchange for oxygen. This vital process is largely affected when infections and diseases, including cancer, occur, making it difficult to breathe.

Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer for both males and females. Smoking is the main risk factor for a person’s chance of developing the disease. Lung cancer limits the patient’s ability to perform daily activities. Treatment options must be discussed carefully with healthcare providers with the goal of minimally disrupting lifestyle.

Oncologists work alongside practitioners from different medical disciplines to provide medical support to patients helping them to remain healthy and active as much as possible. Naturopathy, nutrition, and pain management are usually integrated with conventional lung cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

Two types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC).

Non-small cell lung cancers are the more often diagnosed cancer type which spread over a longer period of time. The three types of non-small cell lung cancers are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinomas arise in the mucus-providing glands within the lungs. Squamous cell carcinomas arise in the bronchial tube lining. Large cell carcinomas arise in areas close to the surface of the lungs and are the most aggressive type of non-small cell lung cancer.

Small cell lung cancer begins in the lung tissue and spreads more rapidly than most non-small cell lung cancers. Only about 20 percent of lung cancers are diagnosed as small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancers may have different symptoms and may entail different treatment methods apart from non-small cell lung cancers.

Stages of Lung Cancer vary depending on the two types: non-small cell lung cancers and small cell lung cancers. Staging is the process of identifying the extent of the cancer. It is important because treatment, prognosis, and survival depend on the information provided by the stage of the cancer.

Correct staging of lung cancer is very important in treatment planning. Treatment choices are usually complicated and experts largely depend on the stage of the disease to identify if a particular treatment procedure must be applied. Physicians are faced with the challenge of applying surgery; if it must be done immediately, or later. Should radiation therapy be combined with chemotherapy? Should chemotherapy be administered alone? Is chemotherapy and radiation required before surgery, after, or both?

Newly diagnosed patients undergo inter-disciplinary chest exams with cooperation of radiologists, oncologists, surgeons, pulmonologists, pathologists, and endosonographers.

Stages of Lung Cancer for small cell lung cancer may be limited or extensive. In limited-stage, cancer is found in one lung, the tissues in between the lungs, and adjacent lymph nodes only. In extensive-stage, cancer has spread outside the lung and began to invade other parts of the body.

Stages of Lung Cancer for non-small cell lung cancer uses a system called the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) system. The stages are described with the use of Roman numerals from 0 to IV. Other staging systems are further divided into A and B for each roman numeric stage. The rule is: the lower the number, the lesser the cancer extent; the higher the number the greater cancer extent.

A comprehensive batch of test results will help the doctor identify the cancer stage. It is important that patients understand the stage and its consequences to help them participate in making the decision on which treatment is best.

Non-small cell lung cancer survival rate for stage I is 56 percent. Stage II presents a survival rate of 34 percent. Stage III presents a survival rate of 10 percent. And stage IV presents a survival rate of 2 percent. These survival rates are based on five-year prognosis. The numbers indicated are based on statistical data on non-small cell lung cancer from 1988 to 2001. Improvements on treatment methods may have improved, thus survival rates may be a little higher than the given.

While statistics provide an overall picture, a patient’s situation relies on the unique attributes of the specific cancer. Individual chances of a cure, prognosis, and treatment methods may vary from one to another.

Cervical cancer refers to malignant neoplasm of the cervical area. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding although most symptoms are not present until it reaches an advanced stage. Pap smear screening identifies precancerous changes. When high grade changes are addressed earlier, cancer may be prevented. The increased awareness in cervical screening programs has reduced incidence of invasive cervical cancer by 50 percent.

There are varied conventional cervical cancer treatments including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy: the three common forms of treatment used over the years. The extent of the patient’s cancer, general state of health, and other factors determine the best combination of treatments applicable to the cervical cancer patient.

Surgery is a cervical cancer treatment applicable to certain types of cancer. It is the oldest form of cervical cancer treatment which also plays an important role in staging and diagnosis. Surgeries range from simple to very sophisticated surgical techniques resulting to effective treatment of cervical cancer. Surgery may be used as preventative, diagnostic, staging, curative, debulking or cytoreductive, palliative supportive, or restorative therapies.

Radiation therapy is a cervical cancer treatment that uses radiation to treat cervical cancer and provide relief to related cervical cancer symptoms. It may be used as a sole treatment or may be paired with the other two primary forms of conventional cervical cancer treatment methods. Continuous efforts are being exerted by medical practitioners on delivering higher radiation doses to the cancer cells and sparing normal reproductive tissue at the same time. Certain cervical cancers may be treated effectively with advanced techniques such as high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Chemotherapy is a type of cervical cancer treatment that uses medications (anticancer drugs) to kill cervical cancer cells. Administration of chemotherapy can be done intravenously, orally, or by injection. It can be used as a standalone treatment or may be paired with other conventional treatments. It is known that chemotherapy is usually associated with unpleasant side effects (nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, mouth sores, etc.). Such side effects vary on a case to case basis depending on how a patient’s body responds to the drugs. New approaches to chemotherapy are continuously being introduced to minimize the effects. Fractionated-dose chemotherapy administers the total dose of medication in smaller amounts over a longer period of time making the side effects more tolerable.

Biotherapy or immunotherapy is a less common cervical cancer treatment. In biotherapy, the immune system plays a role as it is believed to have a natural power of protection that leverages the ability of the body’s immune system to provide natural healing. This therapy may be used directly or indirectly to treat cervical cancer and its symptoms. It may also assist in diminishing the side effects caused by other cervical cancer treatments. Understanding that cervical cancer develops when the immune system is weak, biotherapy is designed to fight the cancer through repair and stimulation of the body’s own natural immune responses. Biotherapy can be used as a sole treatment or alongside other conventional therapies.

Non-conventional cervical cancer treatment methods cover, but are not limited to, nutrition therapy, pain management, naturopathy, mind-body medicine, physical therapy, and social support.

Bladder cancer refers to any type of malignant growth in the urinary bladder in which abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably in the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ located in the pelvis that stores urine. The most common type of bladder cancer (90%) originates in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cells are called transitional cell carcinomas or urothelial cell carcinomas. In most cases, the muscle that assists in urination is not affected.

The common symptom of bladder cancer is the presence of blood in the urine. It may be visible to the naked eye called frank hematuria. In cases where only the microscope can detect it, it is microscopic hematuria. Other symptoms include pain in urination and polyuria or frequent urination. However, the symptoms in themselves do not confirm diagnosis as they may indicate other health problems such as prostate infections and cystitis which are both non-cancerous conditions. Kidney cancer can also cause hematuria. Patients suspected to have bladder cancer must go through tests. Radiological imaging of the kidneys, ureter, and the bladder must be performed. Then, the precise cause of hematuria may be determined.

Smoking is related to over half of bladder cancer cases. Aging also represents a risk factor such that most people diagnosed with the disease are between 50 and 70 years of age. Chronic bladder inflammations, such as urinary tract infection and bladder stones, are also risk factors of developing bladder cancer. Bladder cancer may also appear as a side effect of medicines. An example is the administration of cyclophosfamide which is used to treat cancer and is said to cause bladder cancer.

Due to the improvements on cancer related studies and sciences, combinations of traditional and innovative bladder cancer treatments are available depending on the appropriate combination of therapies applicable on a case to case basis.

Surgery is performed to take out tumors of the bladder whenever applicable. Several types of surgery used for bladder cancer may involve removal of the entire bladder or parts of the bladder. Surgery as a bladder cancer treatment may help prevent future problems like blockage or bleeding.

Radiation is also a bladder cancer treatment option. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced form of conformal radiotherapy where a computer program plans a precise dose of radiation in dimensions based on individual tumor size, shape, and location. It focuses the radiation rays to the cancer affected areas while sparing more of the healthy surrounding tissue.

Fractionated-dose chemotherapy is a bladder cancer treatment that divides a powerful dosage of chemotherapy drugs into smaller doses given over several days. The method exposes the bladder cancer cells to the drugs for a longer period while reducing the repulsive side effects often experienced with heavier doses.

Immunotherapy or biotherapy is a bladder cancer treatment that uses the body’s natural defense system to attach the cancer.

Other complementary and alternative therapies such as naturopathic medicine, nutritional therapy, mind-body medicine, image enhancement, and spiritual support are also available to bladder cancer patients. These alternative therapies may assist in the treating process and provide physical comfort to the patient while facing the challenges brought about by the disease.

Prognosis is a medical term that refers to the description of the likely outcome related to an illness or disease. It gives an estimate of a patient’s survival rate. Breast cancer survival rate is based on many factors of the cancer. The type of cancer, treatment options, lifestyle and habits, as well as genetics play important roles in breast cancer survival.

Breast cancer survival rate may be based on a standard five-year survival rate which estimates a patient’s prognosis through statistical data. The five year survival rate is the average number of patients who exceed the 5 year survival measure after being diagnosed. Five year survival rates exclude patients who die from other causes. A good number of breast cancer patients live much longer than 5 years after diagnosis. Although logically, the greater the cancer stage, the lesser the breast cancer survival rate.

Averaging of survival rates are based on statistics from patients treated several years ago. Although, the patients used in statistical data are the most recent available figures, there may have been improvements in treatment thus survival rates may be a little greater.

Survival statistics are useful general guides but do not accurately represent prognosis for any individual. It should be taken into consideration that a number of factors like tumor characteristics, age, general health, and more aspects within the particular situation can affect chances for survival.

Breast cancer survival rates are based on studies of a 5 year survival rate. Stage 0 and stage I present 100 percent survival rate. Stage IIA presents a survival rate of 92 percent. Stage IIB presents a survival rate of 81 percent. Stage IIIA presents a survival rate of 67 percent. Stage IIIB presents a survival rate of 54 percent. Finally, stage IV presents a survival rate of 20 percent. In general, breast cancer survival rates for women diagnosed with breast cancer in five years is 88 percent. Ten-year survival rate is 80 percent.

It is important to take note; again, that breast cancer survival rates are based on averages. Few women diagnosed with breast cancer live over seven years. Research is playing a major role in the development of new treatment alternatives to improve breast cancer prognosis. New treatment options may have surfaced while statistical data are completed.

Progress in early detection and breast cancer continues to improve deliberate and steady drop in fatality statistics. Given this fact, awareness of important information about breast cancer among women will lead to even better results. Few important facts will be discussed in the next few paragraphs.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women (excluding skin cancer). Breast cancer ranks second in cancer related deaths among women, after lung cancer. The reduction in breast cancer death rates since 1990 is considered a result of improvements in prevention, early detection, and treatment processes.

The evolution of breast cancer treatment are continually producing great results from innovative therapies that aid to healing patients and preventing recurring cancer, improving their quality of life, and giving them hope.

Colon cancer refers to malignant growths in the colon, rectum, and the appendix. Commonly, cancers that arise from these areas of the body are referred to as colorectal cancer. However, let us individually discuss how chemotherapy plays a role in both colon and rectal cancer.

Chemotherapy for colon cancer is used to reduce the likelihood of cancer cells from spreading, shrink tumor size, or slow growth of tumors. Application of chemotherapy may be applied after surgery (adjuvant), before surgery (neo-adjuvant), or as primary therapy (palliative). The drugs used in chemotherapy are often called anticancer drugs. Chemotherapy for colon cancer is given intravenously, by injection or by mouth. It can be used as a standalone treatment or may be combined with radiation therapy or surgery.

Chemotherapy for colon cancer is often coupled with repulsive side effects like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and mouth sores. Leveraging new delivery protocols assist in the reduction of side effects and allow chemotherapy treatment more bearable for patients. For instance, administration of total dose of chemotherapy divided in smaller doses over a longer period of time helps reduce nausea and vomiting.

Chemotherapy for colon cancer applied after surgery is usually only done when the cancer has reached stage III wherein cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. It may prolong survival for patients whose metastases have spread to adjacent lymph nodes.

As for rectal cancer, treatment and prognosis, similar to all cancer forms, depend on the cancer stage. Oncologists first determine tumor invasion extent, if the lymph nodes have cancer in them, or if the rectal cancer has spread to other body parts most commonly the liver and the lungs. Stage I rectal cancer involves only the first or second layer of the rectal wall and no lymph nodes are involved. Stage II is when the tumor has penetrated the mesorectum, but no lymph nodes are involved. Stage III is when the lymph nodes are affected. Stage IV is when evidence of cancer existence in other body parts outside the rectal area is found. Localized rectal cancer stages are from Stages I to III. Metastatic cancer is stage IV

After removal of a tumor, it may be possible that cancer cells may have penetrated the mesorectum (stage II) or that the lymph nodes have been invaded by cancer cells (stage III). In such circumstances, chemotherapy is offered after recovery from the surgery to lessen chances for cancer to come back. Chemotherapy after surgery is then adjuvant therapy as mentioned earlier.

Patients initially diagnosed with stage II or II rectal cancer, chemotherapy may be given before surgery and is called neoadjuvant therapy. It is done to shrink the tumor to make it easier to remove it through surgery. A patient is more likely to tolerate the side effects of chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy before surgery than when it is administered after surgery. After recovery from surgery, patients who undergo neoadjuvant therapy should discuss with the oncologist on the number of sessions needed for additional chemotherapy application.

For metastatic rectal cancer, surgery and radiation therapy would only be performed if the patient suffers from persistent bleeding or bowel obstruction. Otherwise, chemotherapy alone is the treatment best suitable for metastatic rectal cancer wherein the rectal cancer is not curable. The introduction of new medications, however, has allowed longer prognosis for patients with metastatic rectal cancer.