I recently attended a conference about the recent rise in cancer rates associated with environmental pollution. As I looked around the lecture hall, I could see the impact this message had on the ­attendees, and I could guess from their ­facial expressions what they were thinking: "If I were diagnosed with cancer, what treatments would be most appropriate to truly deal with it?" 

Most people are already well aware of the negative implications of conventional therapies such as surgery, which is invasive and potentially damaging, and chemotherapy, which is toxic. That's why many people wonder, "What complementary treatments are available that would produce the most desirable ­results?"

Common wisdom advocates that the best way to prevent cancer is to be diligent in looking after one's body in a healthy way. After all, it can take 10 to 15 years for a cancer cell to grow to the size of an egg. Consequently, more and more people are turning to natural health products to ­improve their health with the general perception that such products are protective, strengthening and a means of preventing illness. Physicians, however, see that there is a need for an objective evaluation of these products as a viable treatment ­option, to ensure that patients are receiving the greatest benefit.

East meets west approach
My oncology practice involving both Western and Chinese medicine prior to immigrating from Bejing, combined with more than 10 years practicing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Vancouver, has taught me that many patients are sceptical about alternative cancer treatments. Their scepticism usually originates from comments and opinions from their oncologists, who are often unaware of or unclear on the benefits of TCM and its role in supporting cancer treatment. 

In many cases, oncologists forbid patients to take Chinese herbs or say that they cannot be ­responsible for treatment outcomes if a patient elects to use TCM. When specialists communicate this ­highly stern warning to ­patients, it instils great fear in an already anxious and ­worried ­individual.

Naturally, there are some patients who come to me with no doubts and only great hopes. They say, "Dr. Tian, is there a secret formula that can effectively treat cancer?"

The answer I have for those who are sceptical is, "The best method of treating cancer is using an integrated approach, which is a personal decision." As for the secret ­formula, determining treatment based on TCM pattern identification is the successful formula. We must not focus on the cancer, but on the life itself.

I remember doing clinical rounds with my mentor Dr. Sun Gui Zhi in Beijing, and noticing that there was ­never anything really very special about the herbal formulas she prescribed. I wondered how these uncomplicated formulas could be extending the lives of late stage cancer patients. I asked her what her secret was. Dr. Sun said, "Treating cancer is a lengthy battle. You must always strengthen the right Qi (chi or energy). To beat cancer, one needs to focus on living, and not allow the disease to continually dominate one's thoughts." It was true that although many of her patients were in late stages of cancer, their quality of life was very good.

TCM cancer care at work
In my own practice, I carry this wisdom close to my heart. I have a current ­patient who had breast cancer in the past and who did not receive any ­additional therapy after conventional treatments. Two years later, the cancer returned and metastasized to the lungs. It is now in a very advanced stage, and she is doing chemotherapy, taking Chinese herbs and using various natural health products.

Every time I see this patient, I can't believe my eyes. She looks beautiful and healthy. I always tell her that I can't ­believe she is in an advanced stage, and she says that everybody always says that. Such comments give her more and more faith that she can beat cancer. "If things continue this way," she says, "I could travel, cook delicious food for my family and make myself more beautiful. I'm so happy." 

I feel greatly humbled by her courage. I remember back to when she had just learned that her cancer had spread to her lungs. She felt as if her life was ending. Her doctor had told her that she wouldn't live longer than six months. I told her to go on living, and made a Chinese herbal formula with an emphasis on regulating liver Qi because, according to Chinese medicine principles, the liver channel passes through the breasts. In addition, regulating liver Qi has the effect of relaxing an otherwise anxious mental state and thus increasing the immune function to directly resist cancer.

She was a very diligent patient and followed instructions ­perfectly, ­including the suggestion to relax after taking the prescribed herbal decoction. Today, three years later, she is doing great. It is also important to mention the critical role her husband has played in her life. He has always remained calm and supportive. I truly believe that family support is one of the most fundamental aspects of effective cancer treatment.

The good life
In short, my experiences have led me to conclude that the single-most important weapon in fighting cancer is to adopt a mindset based on a holistic, integrative approach. These methods should include Western medical treatments, TCM care, emotional support and, most ­importantly, a healthy lifestyle. Through these avenues, both the physician and the patient must understand that the common target is to contain and keep the disease in check if it is not curable.

Instead of having the mindset that cancer is an inevitable killer, we can see it as just a chronic condition. This, in my opinion, is a far more effective means of dealing with this disease. Experience teaches that chances always favour the prepared mind and the decision is one that is absolutely a patient's choice.

I sincerely hope that one day all patients can say, "I got cancer, so what? I'm good. I'm happy because I live a full life and do the things I love to do and stay active!"

Kathryn Tian (DTCM) practices TCM at IMeG Health™ Clinic, focusing on treating cancer and intractable health conditions. Her research focuses on clinical and pharmacological benefits of anti-cancer Chinese medicine. She has a master's degree in integrative medicine from the China Academy of TCM.  www.imeghealth.com

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