Staying out of the ER and urgent care in the COVID era is even more important these days. Many infections are believed to occur in the hospital through droplet exposure. Here are my TIPS for anyone with cancer: 1) Reduce your risks for ... [Read More]
Manage Side Effects Without Drugs
In this section, you will learn about ways to use various complementary therapies (i.e. acupuncture, massage, meditation, botanical compounds, etc.) to help prevent or reduce side effects and symptoms during and after cancer treatment.
Lymphedema After Cancer Treatment
Up to 5 million Americans suffer from lymphedema, mostly as a result of cancer treatment. This is a chronic condition that can develop as a consequence of surgery and/or radiation therapy to the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, pelvis and groin ... [Read More]
Cold Cap Therapy Helps Maintain Hair During Chemo
If you want to try to keep your hair during chemotherapy read this article. I wish more oncologists would tell their patients about this incredibly simple hair saving technique, but unfortunately many are either unaware of how effective it is or are ... [Read More]
Optimizing Our Health
Dr. Brian Lawenda's introductory lecture at the 2018 UsToo International Prostate Cancer Pathways for Patients & Caregivers Conference (June 23, 2018). The topics discussed are relevant to both men and women and those with and without ... [Read More]
Reduce Radiation Side Effects To The Bladder With Cranberry Extract
Many patients who receive radiation therapy to the pelvis for prostate, bladder, rectal, gynecologic and other cancers will develop temporary side effects from inflammation of the bladder (radiation cystitis.) Occasionally, some of these patients ... [Read More]
Complementary Therapies For Chemotherapy Neuropathy
"Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy" (CIPN) effects the lives of up to 40% of cancer patients who receive chemotherapy. CIPN symptoms can be so bothersome that we have to lower our treatment doses or stop treatment all ... [Read More]
How To Reduce Your Risk Of Blood Clots Without A Prescription
Did you know that the majority of patients with cancer do not die from their cancer, but instead from a side effect or complication related to their cancer or the cancer treatment. FACT: One in five cancer patients will develop a potentially life ... [Read More]
Dr. Lawenda Discusses The Importance Of Second Opinions In Prostate Cancer Care
KNDU/NBC TV "Living Well" Show: Dr. Lawenda Discusses The Importance Of Second Opinions In Prostate Cancer Care (July 29, 2017) In most cases, a new diagnosis of prostate cancer doesn't need to be treated (or even screened in the first place.) ... [Read More]
Treating Depression Naturally With Saffron or Curcumin
If you have been diagnosed with depression (the most common form) you are not alone: greater than 25% of adult women and 15% of adult men are prescribed antidepressants, in the U.S. (reference). In the oncology population, the percentages are likely ... [Read More]
Dr. Lawenda Discusses Cancer Pain Management
KNDU/NBC TV "Living Well" Show: Dr. Lawenda Discusses How He Manages Cancer Pain (June 16, 2017) https://vimeo.com/222211611 ... [Read More]
Dr. Lawenda Discusses The Use Of Natural And Complementary Therapies In Cancer Care
KNDU/NBC TV "Living Well" Show: Dr. Lawenda Discusses The Use Of Natural And Complementary Therapies In Cancer Care (May 13, 2017) https://vimeo.com/217566345 ... [Read More]
Make Your Body Less Conducive To Cancer With Integrative Oncology
It is NOT a new concept that if you can make your tissues less conducive to cancer growth you will have a much greater shot at beating cancer. One of the greatest minds in the history of modern medicine (Dr Stephen Paget) eloquently noted this in ... [Read More]
Nauseated? Try This Ancient Chinese Therapy
One of the effective techniques for dealing with chemotherapy and radiation therapy-related nausea involves an ancient Chinese technique called "moxibustion." It involves the use of a rolled herbal cigar (see photos below) of dried and/or processed ... [Read More]
Depressed and Tired? Get A Light Box
We all know that getting outside and enjoying some sunshine can really perk you up. Most of us don't get enough sunlight since we spend so much time indoors. Even when we are in the sun we usually wear sunglasses to protect our eyes, but this ... [Read More]
Breast Cancer Risk, Curcumin, Vitamin D, Genetics And More
Breast Cancer Risk Can Be Determined From A Biopsy A landmark Harvard study found that the risk of breast cancer can be predicted by looking at the percentage of dividing cells from a routine breast biopsy. If this tissue analysis (called ... [Read More]
Why You Need An Integrative Oncologist
Whether you just were diagnosed with cancer, currently undergoing treatment or are in remission you want to make sure you are doing everything you can do to make your body less conducive to cancer growth or recurrence. If cancer was a simple ... [Read More]
Alternative Medicine Gurus Are Misleading Cancer Patients
If you have been searching for information about treating cancer "naturally," I'm sure you've read articles, blog posts and watched videos and documentaries that make the following claims: Pharmaceutical companies already have the cure for cancer ... [Read More]
Powerful Relaxation Technique: 4-7-8 breathing
I want to introduce you to one of the most powerful and effective relaxation techniques that you can do anywhere or anytime when you are feeling stressed. It is called "4-7-8 relaxation breathing" or simply the "4-7-8 breath technique." This is a ... [Read More]
Ginseng Fights Cancer Treatment Fatigue
Ginseng has been shown to be an effective and safe, natural supplement for helping manage the fatigue associated with cancer treatment. The Study: A randomized controlled study found that taking 2,000 mg per day of American ginseng (Panax ... [Read More]
Saffron Extract Works As Well As Prozac For Depression
If you have mild-to-moderate depression (the most common form) you are not alone: greater than 25% of adult women and 15% of adult men are prescribed antidepressants, in the U.S. (reference). In the oncology population, the percentages are likely ... [Read More]
Complementary Therapies For Pain Management (Video)
There is no 'one-size-fits-all' when it comes to managing pain. Dr. Brian Lawenda introduces various non-pharmacologic options that may be useful therapies in helping you better cope with chronic and acute pain (i.e. aromatherapy, meditation, ... [Read More]
Might Bioidentical Hormones Be Protective Against Breast Cancer Growth?
A new study was published today that helps to shed light on the association between sex hormone imbalance and breast cancer and how the use of balanced, low levels of bioidentical sex hormones may be protective against breast cancer ... [Read More]
Is There A Role For Vitamin C In Cancer Care?
The use of vitamin C in cancer prevention and treatment is another one of those controversial topics in oncology that I feel compelled to write about. I hope to shed some light on what we know and what we don't know. Unless you are already using ... [Read More]
Optimize Your Body And Mind Before Surgery
Is there an upcoming surgery in your future? If so, get your body and mind ready with these recommendations to help you heal more more quickly, have less pain and decrease your risk of surgery-related complications. Preparing Your MIND: Did you ... [Read More]
Tips To Unlock Your Chemo Brain
No longer is there any shred of doubt that "chemo brain" (also known as post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment, chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction/impairment, chemo fog) is a real medical condition. Chemo Brain Symptoms: Unfortunately, ... [Read More]
What Is IP6 (Inositol Hexaphosphate)?
Inositol hexaphosphate ("IP6", "myo-inositol hexaphosphate" or "phytic acid") is a natural carbohydrate molecule present in most plant and animal cells. You get this stuff in your diet mainly from eating cereals, grains, legumes and meat. Your body ... [Read More]
Why You Need An AntiCancer Guide
Whether you just were diagnosed with cancer, currently undergoing treatment or are in remission you want to make sure you are doing everything you can do to make your body less conducive to cancer growth or recurrence. If cancer was a simple ... [Read More]
I Wish All My Patients Would Meditate
Chronic stress is one of the most insidious health conditions in modern society and is linked to increased risks of developing and exacerbating nearly every chronic disease- including cancer. I'd even go so far as to call it a 'cancer growth ... [Read More]
Reduce Radiation Skin Reactions With My Favorite Natural Product
Out with the old, in with the new: Prior to this study, the #1 product that I have been recommending to patients to help them minimize a common radiation skin reaction (called "radiation dermatitis") is a natural botanical, Calendula (an extract ... [Read More]
Why You Should Consider Taking Probiotics During And After Cancer Treatment
New studies report that when your gut bacteria are compromised chemotherapy may not work as well. Although we don't completely understand how our gut bacteria make chemotherapy work better, one study found that chemotherapy causes our gut to ... [Read More]