The size of the tumor in the colon, at what stage it is in, and how advanced it is determines the method of treatment used. When cancer patients start to discuss treatment options available, they also discover there are quite a few side effects for many of these therapies. When colon cancer is diagnosed, the first objective would be to remove the cancerous growth and existing malignant cells from the body. In the long run, however, the side effects of the treatment must be supervised carefully.

What impact each treatment for colon cancer could have on the patient must be explored in detail with the concerned team of medical professionals. Standard treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, clinical trials, and immunotherapy are frequently discussed. However, here are a few complementary and alternative treatments for colon cancer.

Complementary and alternative treatments for colon cancer do not offer to cure the disease. But, in the long run, they help strengthen the effectiveness of conventional treatment methods and improve the physical and mental well-being of the patient. These include:

1. Lifestyle changes

Healthy lifestyle changes like increasing physical activity and following Kinesiology help maintain a better quality of life. Brisk walking, moderate jogging, or swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes regularly is beneficial to keep the body fit. This also helps energize the mind. These activities help patients withstand some side effects of colon cancer treatments.

2. Colon cancer diet

Consuming a wholesome diet or nutritional therapy is quite effective in reducing the symptoms and their severity in the case of colon cancer. Avoiding red meat entirely, changing to a plant-based diet, and including unrefined whole grains, healthy omega-3 fats, and fish proteins would be ideal.

3. Alternative therapies

Hands-on treatment approaches like Osteopathy, where the bones and muscles in the body are worked on, encourage the treatment of illnesses. Other similar manipulative therapies like acupressure, Swedish massages, and Reiki have the same goals. They aim to reduce swelling, relieve pain, improve movement, stimulate the flow of blood and lymph fluids, reduce anxiety and post-traumatic stress, and help the patient relax. These techniques pique the body’s healing abilities. Reflexology is yet another massage technique where gentle pressure is applied on the feet or hands to release energy blockages and restore balance in the body.

4. Homeopathic medicine

Homeopathic pills, herbal extracts, vitamins and mineral supplements, medicinal teas, and mindful meditation are other methods patients with colon cancer pursue.

A combination of conventional, complementary, and alternative treatments for colon cancer work well in most cases. Alternative therapies do not normally produce any harmful side effects, but instead, are satisfactory healing approaches that people should try. Discussing complementary or alternative therapies that should be considered is essential. Tailor-make the treatment options to suit your health condition and the time and resources available to you.