Cancer is one of the most dreaded of words. Most of us know someone who has had cancer. Most of us know someone who has gone through conventional medical therapy, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Most of us know someone who has died after being destroyed by these treatments. After decades of research and billions (that's with a "b") of dollars, medicine has made virtually no progress in the treatment of cancer. The reason for this dismal failure is clear. The tumors which medicine is so determined to destroy are only symptoms of a deeper problem. The disease itself is the disturbance in the system which results in the tumors. Medicine's attack on tumors is akin to killing the messenger instead of dealing with the message. The end result is that the underlying condition progresses and either the tumors return or some other systemic failure occurs.

If this is true, why does medicine boast of increasing survival rates? New technology allows physicians to find tumors earlier than ever. Earlier diagnosis increases the apparent survival because the clock starts that much sooner. The increased survival time is a clever ruse. Let's look at an example: A 45-year-old woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and, after mutilating surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, lives to age 48 and dies of metastasis. Her survival time is only three years post diagnosis. In the second scenario the same woman is diagnosed at age 42. At age 48, she dies of metastasis. The result is the same, but the earlier diagnosis slants the statistics. Another example in which statistics look better than reality is when the patient dies of something other than cancer. One example is a dog dying of liver failure several years after treatment due to the effects of chemotherapy. Again, tumor free but dead nonetheless.

So what is the good news? The good news is that conventional therapy is only one option. Homeopaths see cancer very differently. As with all other symptoms, homeopaths see tumors as another way the individual attempts to express himself and call out for help. Cancer and other "terminal" diseases are a form of biological suicide; the body is killing itself. Tumors are not invaders from other planets; they are created by the body itself. Therefore, the only true cure lies in eliminating the underlying problem that is driving the body to suicide.

There are many factors one should consider. Nutrition plays a key role in the body's immune function. Pet foods on the whole are not balanced and do not meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats-regardless of what the label says! This leads to a variety of immune system disturbances.

Environmental toxins such as herbicides, pesticides, radon, electromagnetic fields, food additives, fluoride in the water, and medications also weaken the immune system and may be carcinogenic. Vaccines disrupt and interfere with the proper development and function of the immune system. Recent evidence in people has shown a connection between a lack of childhood diseases and an increased risk of cancer in adulthood. Emotional traumas, physical traumas, and suppression of symptoms with drugs (such as using prednisone to stop itching, for example) can all have a role in the development of cancer.

Since each patient has his own reason for having cancer, treatment must be individualized. There are, however, some general recommendations. The first step would be to introduce a proper raw food feeding program. For dogs and cats, this means high animal protein and very low carbohydrate. Canned, dry, and other processed foods should be eliminated. (I recommend doing this before cancer appears.) The diet should be designed to suit the needs of the particular species based upon the diet it would get in the wild. Supplementation with digestive enzymes and digestive bacteria improve the availability of nutrients.

In addition to the diet, there are a number of supplements that can be added to improve immune system function. One such supplement is MGN-3. This is a blend of extracts from Shitake, Kawaratake, and Suehirotake mushrooms and rice bran. The mushrooms' extracts are the leading prescription treatments for cancer in Japan. Studies on MGN-3 show that it dramatically increases natural killer-cell activity. These cells are a vital part of the immune system. It also increases interferon and tumor necrosis factor levels. Another new supplement on the scene is inositol hexaphosphate, known as IP6. IP6 is a natural antioxidant derived from rice bran. It appears to work by tying up toxic metals before they have a chance to damage cells. In a number of studies, IP6 has reduced the size and number of tumors. Microhydrin is another powerful antioxidant. In addition to its antioxidant properties, Microhydrin also helps balance the body's electrical system by providing a source of electrons. The result is a change in the overall environment of the body, known as the terrain. By shifting the terrain toward an alkaline pH, Microhydrin creates an environment unsuitable for the growth of germs or abnormal cells.

The next step is to eliminate the use of drugs, vaccines, pesticides, herbicides, etc., wherever possible. Pure water is also essential to good health and unfiltered tap water should be avoided.

There is a myriad of other so-called anti-cancer products available. Before going beyond the above recommendations, I would suggest contacting a qualified homeopath. Homeopathy can get to the deeper levels of the disease process. This is where the ultimate cure resides.

-Russell Swift, DVM is a holistic veterinarian with a house call practice. He specializes in natural nutrition and homeopathy. To contact Dr. Swift, call 561-391-5615 or write to 7154 N. University Dr. #86, Tamarac, Fla. 33321