Tag: cancer

When cancer isn’t; rethinking the diagnosis of cancer to avoid unnecessary treatment and psychological trauma.

When cancer isn’t; rethinking the diagnosis of cancer to avoid unnecessary treatment and psychological trauma. For a while, there has been talk within the medical profession regarding many of the normal variants that have been called cancer.   For most people, a diagnosis of cancer conjures up images of a life-threatening battle to stay alive, surgeries, and treatments that make you ill, cost a fortune, and can disfigure you. In the past, the suspicion of cancer required constant monitoring, tests, and treatments for the disease were not usually curative.   The constant fear of the unknown is ever-present after a cancer diagnosis Read More »

Why are so many men screened for prostate cancer when research suggests active surveillance instead?

Why are so many men screened for prostate cancer when research suggests active surveillance instead? When doctors don’t know, they test. There is also something called best practices that different professions have developed to eliminate unneeded or potentially damaging procedures that are of little or no value if done routinely. In chiropractic, best practices include being more selective about taking X-rays.  Compared to years ago when the standard of practice had to take x rays on everyone regardless of age, today, I select patients for X-ray only if there was trauma, the suspicion of cancer or organic phenomenon, or if Read More »

Dangerous cancerous tumors may be better diagnosed and treated using this new approach to diagnosis.

Dangerous cancerous tumors may be better diagnosed and treated using this new approach to diagnosis. A diagnosis of cancer can be scary.  A tumor can be harmful or even just part of the aging process and not be life-threatening at all. In medicine, a correct diagnosis of cancer can be lifesaving but a bad diagnosis or misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary tests and procedures that can be harmful while offering no benefit at all. Screening procedures for many potential problems can save lives if they work.  Cologuard for example is a screen that can be done on millions of stool Read More »

The cancer industrial complex; The hype vs. the facts.

The cancer industrial complex; The hype vs. the facts. Being told you have cancer by your physician is one of the scariest things a person can hear. Images of tests, surgeries, and treatments that will make you feel ill and lose your hair go through your head.   Will you survive this and will cancer go into remission allowing you to live a normal life.   Will your insurance allow you to see the best healthcare providers and cover the cost? Then there is the periodic testing and monitoring for years after to make sure cancer does not return. What about alternatives Read More »

What are Cruciferous vegetables and can they prevent or fight cancer?

What are Cruciferous vegetables and can they prevent or fight cancer? Broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale and arugula are known as Cruciferous vegetables. They are  fiber rich, low in calories and full of  nutrients such as vitamins C, E and K, folate and minerals. Animal studies have confirmed that these vegetables protect DNA and reduce inflammation, a major cause of disease in animals.   According to a recent article in the NY Times. The act of cooking, chopping and other food prep methods unlock biologically active compounds called isothiocyanates and indoles. These substances in animals reduce the risk of cancers of the Read More »