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A Novel
by Helen GarnerThis article relates to The Spare Room
Cancer is the term used to describe any
malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division.
A cancer is described as Stage 4 when it has spread from the original site to other
parts of the body. When we first meet Nicola, she has already undergone surgery
and chemotherapy. Below are some of the alternative treatments she tries during the course of the book:
Colon Therapy
The American Cancer Society has a poor view of colon therapy which
involves the cleansing of the large intestine with up to 20 gallons of liquid
that might include water, herbal solutions, enzymes or other substances such as
coffee. Proponents of colon therapy say that detoxifying the body through
the removal of accumulated waste from the colon increases the efficiency of the
body's natural healing abilities.
Coffee Enemas
Dr. Max Gerson introduced
coffee enemas in the 1920's as part of
a plan that emphasized a diet based on more natural foods and on detoxification
of the body. The rationale is that cleansing the colon eliminates toxins, and that caffeine
stimulates the liver. Current opinions remain divided between those who support Gerson's
methods and those who warn of potential effects including, but not
limited to, electrolyte imbalances, death, or harm from contaminated
equipment. Controversy also surrounds the scarcity of thorough research.
Ozone/Oxygen Therapy
According to the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San
Diego, those in favor of ozone therapy (also referred to as oxygen therapy)
"believe that microorganisms, which thrive in low-oxygen environments, cause
disease, including cancer. It is believed that administration of ozone raises
oxygen levels and leads to the destruction of the microorganisms."
The American Cancer
Society does not recommend it, citing the lack of evidence and reports of
patient deaths.
Vitamin C
According to the
Mayo Clinic, Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that helps the body to absorb
iron and to form collagen. Although correlations have been found between those
who regularly consume the vitamin in fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy
diet and the prevention of some cancers, the benefits may come from the
combination of Vitamin C with other nutrients found in these foods rather than
from the vitamin alone. It has not been proven as an effective cancer therapy
and very high doses
can be dangerous.
Interesting Links:
The American Cancer Society's
directory of non-traditional therapies makes for interesting reading.
However, it should be noted that some criticize the ACS for downplaying, even undermining, the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical treatments.
These same voices criticize the predominance of pharmaceutical insiders on the
charity's
board and the large sums of money donated to it by the pharmaceutical industry.
The most vocal of these is
The Cancer Prevention Coalition.
Filed under Medicine, Science and Tech
This "beyond the book article" relates to The Spare Room. It originally ran in February 2009 and has been updated for the February 2010 paperback edition. Go to magazine.
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