How Other Medical Systems View Cancer
by

Patricia Muehsam, M.D.,  Constance Park, M.D., Deborah Daly Kennedy, M.S.

A project made possible by the
Carol Ann Schwartz Cancer Education Fund

When exploring options in cancer care, including complementary and alternative approaches to cancer treatment, it is useful to understand how different medical systems view cancer.

Conventional Western Approaches

In Western medicine, cancer is defined as the uncontrolled, or malignant, growth of cells that have failed to maintain the normal cellular cycle of creation, growth, and death. The primary aim of conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, is to stop the malignant process by interfering with the growth and spread of such cells.  

Recent advances in Western medicine have led to the development of newer cancer treatments that aim to exploit the patient's natural capacity to eliminate the malignant process by boosting the body's immune response. Examples of this approach include the use of immune modulators, both endogenous (naturally produced substances within the body) and exogenous (externally manufactured substances, such as drugs and chemicals), that mobilize the immune system to attack cancer cells. Bone marrow transplantation, a different process, is also used with the same intent.

A key concept to understand in Western cancer terminology is the concept of "cure." "Cure" is defined as the absence of detectable signs or symptoms of the malignancy for five years from the date of diagnosis.

Complementary and Alternative Approaches

Many complementary and alternative approaches to cancer treatment are conceptually similar to those of Western medicine. Their goal is "cytotoxic" in nature, that is, they are aimed at eliminating cancer cells. These practices are described under "Biologic and Pharmacologic Therapies" in the What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine? information sheet.

Other complementary and alternative healing practices, in particular those that originate from non-Western cultural traditions, approach cancer from a distinctly different perspective. For example, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concept of cancer as a disease process does not exist, and Western terminology is essentially irrelevant. A "cancer" patient is treated according to the tenets and methods of the practice, which aim to support the patient's innate ability to heal. As opposed to being cytotoxic, these treatments seek to optimize the body's natural ability to eliminate any unwanted growth or invasion.

While essentially Western in origin, the field of naturopathy shares similar philosophical principles with many non-Western healing traditions (see What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?). As a comprehensive health-care system, naturopathy employs methods that are supportive of the patient's natural healing abilities, as opposed to being aimed primarily at suppressing symptoms or disease.

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