One of the most devastating illnesses, Cancer, has been increasing in India at an alarming rate. With significantly changing lifestyles and habits, Indians are more prone to this disease due to increased consumption of processed foods and habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking. Variedly high proportions of air and water pollution, combined with a sedentary lifestyle further aid this disease in spreading its roots in the large population. Delayed diagnosis, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, unawareness among the population and socioeconomic disparities further exacerbate the issue.
Cancer treatment, while lifesaving, can be accompanied by debilitating side effects that impact a patient’s quality of life. Conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery often lead to symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, pain, and emotional distress. The ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, offers a holistic approach to managing these side effects, nurtures overall well-being, and enhances the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
Understanding Cancer and Ayurveda
Ayurveda attributes non-inflammatory swellings like tumours towards imbalances in Vata and Kapha doshas. These swellings, including Arbuda (tumours), Granthi (glandular swelling), and Galaganda (cervical lymphadenopathy), can be correlated with Cancer based on their signs and symptoms. While Ayurvedic classics don’t define specific causes for Arbuda, management strategies for Granthi and Vranasopha are generally used in practice. Surgical interventions, like eshansi Samudharet (en-block resection), are advised by Acharya Sushruta for certain tumor types. In addition to conventional treatments, herbal formulations and palliative therapies, such as Shodhana, are also utilized as part of comprehensive care plans for improving the quality of life. Ayurvedic management of Cancer focuses primarily on balancing Tridosha (especially Vata & Kapha), addressing Agni, Ama, and Srotovarodha and preventing recurrence.
Cancer Treatment Approaches
Cancer treatment is a complex and multifaceted process involving various therapies and interventions. Since, cancer involves abnormal cell growth, the primary aim of treatment is to prevent this abnormal growth, eliminate the cancer cells, and alleviate any spread in the body. Biomarker testing is an essential diagnostic tool for identifying specific tumor markers associated with cancer based on which various treatment interventions are planned. Various treatment interventions for Cancer are Chemotherapy, Hormonal Therapy, Hyperthermia, Immunotherapy, Photodynamic therapy, Radiation therapy, Stem cell transplants, Surgery, Targeted therapy.
Side Effects Associated with Cancer Treatment
Treatment of Cancer has been evolving since decades with focus on improving effectiveness and reducing the side effects. However, it is often associated with a broad spectrum of side effects that can significantly take a toll on a patient’s quality of life. The side effects of standard cancer treatment are as follows:
Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF) is an intense and relentless form of exhaustion that affects many individuals with Cancer. As one of the most prevalent and distressing symptoms of cancer treatment, fatigue is particularly common among those undergoing Chemotherapy, significantly impacting daily life and overall well-being. Characterized by overwhelming tiredness, weakness, and a lack of energy, CRF persists despite adequate sleep and rest in the majority of cancer patients.
Nausea & Vomiting, a side-effect of immunotherapy, radiation therapy and certain chemotherapy regimens, nausea and vomiting often persist in cancer patients. The severity of these symptoms varies depending upon dosage and type of medication. This leads to significant weight fluctuations, dehydration, and malnutrition, which in turn impacts the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Pain is a pervasive and distressing symptom as well as a side effect, which is common to all cancer patients. It impacts the daily life of the patient by making it difficult for the person to perform day-to-day activities. If left untreated, pain can drastically compromise a person’s quality of life.
Problems Associated with Hair, Skin & Nails: Radiation and Chemotherapy generally lead to hair loss, skin problems and changes in nails. Hair loss may happen within two weeks of treatment, worsening over a month or two. Skin problems may include dryness, itching, redness and swelling. Sunburns may further aggravate these issues. Darkening or cracking of the nails may also occur
Cognitive Impairment: Various side-effects of cancer treatment impacting physical health also contribute to changes in memory, concentration and mental processing speed.
Anxiety and Depression: The uncertainty of cancer treatment and the unawareness among the population can be emotionally draining, leading to anxiety and depression in patients. These emotional side effects can affect daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Why Managing Side Effects Matters?
Effective management of side effects is a crucial factor in maintaining the quality of life and keeping the mental spirit of the cancer patient alive.
Enhanced Quality of Life Effective side effect management enables patients to maintain their daily routines, enjoy social interactions, and engage in activities they love.
Enhanced Treatment Tolerance Patients are more likely to complete their treatment regimens by minimizing side effects, which is critical for achieving the best possible outcomes.
Reduced Hospitalizations Proactive side effect management can prevent complications that may require hospitalization, reduce healthcare costs, and minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Better Nutritional Status Managing side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea helps patients maintain adequate nutrition, which is vital for supporting the immune system and overall health.
Emotional Well-Being Effective side effect management can alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress, promoting emotional resilience and improving mental health.
Managing Side Effects with Ayurveda
Navigating cancer treatment is an overwhelmingly difficult journey, particularly when undergoing Chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Fortunately, Ayurvedic treatments offer a natural solution to alleviate the side effects of these therapies, promoting balance and harmony in the body and enhancing the overall well-being of the patient.
Herbs & Formulations
Ayurveda mentions various herbs and formulations that can help alleviate the side effects of various cancer treatment interventions. Some of these anti-cancer herbs are as follows:
- Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) reduces fatigue and boosts the body’s natural ability to fight disease immunity. It can selectively kill cancer cells by inducing ROS-signaling and can also reduce the size of microscopic tumors.
- Triphala (Amla, Harad, Bahera) aids in digestion, reduces ama and detoxifies the body.
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) aids in improving cognitive function and reducing stress and anxiety, thereby improving the overall mental well-being of the patient.
- Haridra (Curcuma Longa) has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It significantly reduces the pain in cancer patients and promotes healing. It arrests the cell cycle at the G2/ M phase and suppresses the growth of cancer cells.
- Tulsi (Holy Basil) strengthens the immune system and improves various body functions, such as the respiratory system.
- Amla (Emblica Officinalis) is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. It reduces the oxidative stress in the body and acts as an immunity booster.
- Other herbs that can be included in daily diet to fight cancer treatment’s side effects include ginger, Guduchi, Shatavari, licorice, Sariwa, Kutaki, Neemb, etc.
- Chayawanprash is a potent immunity booster and is rich in antioxidants. It acts as a Rasayana to manage the side effects and promote overall strength.
Diet & Nutrition
Cancer takes a toll on the physical and mental well-being of a person undergoing treatment. A healthy diet is crucial for providing strength and support during the treatment. As described in the classical texts, dosha imbalance impacts the agni (digestive fire), which further leads to ama dosha being generated in the body, ultimately affecting the overall health of the person. Also, significant weight loss changes are observed in cancer patients. Therefore, optimizing the diet for balanced nutrition and strengthening the immune system is vital in dealing with cancer treatment-induced side effects. Avoiding spicy, oily and heavy foods can help alleviate nausea and digestive issues.
The Power of Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation offer a holistic approach to alleviating stress, improving sleep quality, and boosting the immune system – all essential for cancer recovery. Patients need patience, positivity, and willpower to keep their morale high during the challenging journey of healing from Cancer. Yoga can help cultivate these qualities through various techniques such as Asanas (postures) for physical balance and relaxation; Pranayam (breathing exercises) for mental calm, improved circulation and focus; and Mudras (hand gestures) for energy balance and well-being.
Panchkarma
Panchkarma therapies aid in cleansing and detoxifying the body, eliminating toxins and reducing the side effects of Chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These treatment approaches lead to body relaxation, reducing physical exertion and promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Even when cancer treatment therapies are continuously evolving with time, still, there is a need to adopt an integrated approach in the overall management of cancer patients. Ayurveda may not serve as a primary line of treatment, but it serves as a complementary therapy to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments and promote the health of patients. By integrating Ayurvedic practices into their care plan, patients can experience improved physical and emotional resilience, ultimately enhancing their cancer journey.
