Each day in the United States, almost 1,600 adults and kids—enough to fill four jumbo jets—die of cancer. Why are these patients allowed to crash and die? We have put people on the moon. We have sent rovers to Mars. Why, in the 21st century, are we, society, throwing up our hands and saying, “There is nothing more we can do”?
Cancer patients need answers and they need them now. Lifelines to Cancer Survival bridges the gap from the old world of cancer care to a new, revolutionary way of thinking. What is this new way of thinking, and how is it transforming cancer survival?
It’s a way of thinking that empowers you with what I call “lifelines.” Lifelines are tools, strategies, and individuals that can help increase your survival time. They can be anything from simple anticancer nutrition, to the latest, cutting-edge genetic profiles and targeted treatments.
The current standard of care can fall short. It often does not include the following individualized tests and treatments that could lead to safer, more effective care:
- Personalized molecular profiles—genetic fingerprints of the potential therapeutic targets of your specific cancer
- Anticancer nutrition—evidence-based natural therapies that attack inflammation and blood vessel growth in your tumor(s)
- Integrative medicine—natural, more holistic modalities to address stress and the side effects of chemo and radiation, along with spirituality
- Chemosensitivity assays—samples of your living tumor or liquid/blood cancer that have been examined and tested to assess your cancer’s response to both older and newer anti-cancer treatments
Your cancer care should include these elements and so much more. My experience in my own survival, and in counseling countless cancer patients over the years, has taught me that staying alive includes much more than a biopsy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
In his compelling book, Anticancer: A New Way of Life, scientist, physician, and researcher, the late Dr. David Serven-Schreiber, discusses his frustration and concerns over this topic as a recovering cancer patient:
After surgery and chemotherapy for cancer, I asked my oncologist for advice. “What should I do to lead a healthy life, and what precautions could I take to avoid a relapse?” “There is nothing special to do. Lead your life normally. We’ll do MRI scans at regular intervals, and if your tumor comes back, we’ll detect it early,” replied this leading light of modern medicine.
“But aren’t there exercises I could do, a diet to follow or to avoid? Shouldn’t I be working on my mental outlook?” I asked. My colleague’s answer bewildered me. “In this domain, do what you like. It can’t do you any harm. But we don’t have any scientific evidence that any of these approaches can prevent a relapse.”. . . As for more theoretical mind-body or nutritional approaches, he clearly lacked the time or interest to explore these avenues.
Dr. Serven-Schreiber is not alone in this experience. What’s more disturbing is that people will not only die from cancer, but from complications of cancer treatment. You’ll have to look long and hard for any statistics regarding side-effects and fatalities of cancer therapies. Weekly I see many cancer patients who are at the end of their rope searching for hope. Sadly, these same patients where often given limited options “out of the gate”. I should know, I was one of them! These are the many reasons I spent seven years writing Lifelines to Cancer Survival. These Lifelines continue to keep me alive. My sole purpose is to increase cancer patients’ survival time.
Originally printed on Mark’s website, CancersStrategist.com. Reprinted with permission.
Mark Roby, PA-C is an Integrative Clinician, Author, Speaker, Cancer Coach, and Survivor.Through his passion, knowledge, experience, and having survived cancer himself, he teaches and connects with audiences like no other. He speaks to cancer patients, hospitals and medical centers, and religious organizations about highly impactful practices of personalized care and cancer survival.
