Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy are essential for healing, but can cause side effects the body finds it hard to bear. Additional medicines may be prescribed by general practitioners and oncologists to provide relieve to patients and improve their quality of life.
Homeoptahy as supportive care in oncology
In oncology, the goal of hospital or private healthcare professionals is to ensure the patient’s Personalised Care Programme is effectively implemented. A homeopathic doctor may therefore be asked to implement a supportive care protocol to reduce the side effects of aggressive treatments and reduce the use of medication such as anxiolytics, for example.
A mutlidisciplinary approach
Homeopathy can be prescribed at different stages of disease management (diagnosis announcement, pre- and post-surgery care), and the patient receives regular monitoring. It is therefore important to communicate to the homeopathic doctor the patient’s laboratory results and all records of the care provided by the hospital. Equally, it is important for the homeopathic doctor to forward the protocol to the oncologist or general practitioner by letter or written document that will be included in the health record.
Situations where homeopathy can provide relief
Homeopathy can provide support when a diagnosis is announced, which can be a shocking time, allowing the patient to engage in their care protocol more quickly and calmly.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause ulcers, mucositis, gingivitis, and temporary taste and swallowing disorders. Preventive homeopathic treatment may reduce the feeling of an unpleasant taste and protect the mouth from ulcers and mycoses.
Nausea and vomiting can become common after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In this specific case, a homeopathic doctor may also offer appropriate treatments.
Following radiotherapy, some patients notice skin reactions such as redness, and internal or external burns on their epidermis. Some homeopathic medicines can reduce the burning sensation.
As we know, homeopathy does not treat cancer, but it is a valuable asset among other supportive care methods at each stage of the disease, for managing the patient’s general condition. Each patient is unique and the healthcare professionals involved in a patient’s care have a common goal: to improve their quality of life.
