Research Paper Niaylah Means

WESTERNIZED CANCER TREATMENT VS.
ALTERNATIVE CULTURAL CANCER
TREATMENT 1
Cultural Barriers to Cancer Treatment Based on
Westernized Treatments vs. Alternative Cultural Based Treatments
Niaylah M. Means
Global Connections
December 8th, 2017
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WESTERNIZED CANCER TREATMENT VS. ALTERNATIVE CULTURAL CANCER
TREATMENT
Abstract
The critical point of this research deals with westernized cancer treatments vs. alternative
cultural treatments. The question for this research paper addresses, “What are the cultural
barriers to cancer treatment based on westernized and culturally based holistic treatments?”
Many different treatments may go against the values of what someone believes. There is research
done by examining other case studies of various individuals who used various cancer treatments.
The explanation of “what is cancer,” is brought to understanding as well as when cancer research
and treatments first came into existence. The different cancer types are expressed as well as the
procedures that are used in Mexico, Nigeria, and parts of Asia. Various kinds of case studies
were used in this research paper; some statements came from patients about their recovery
process. The study of the barriers that determine the usage of different cancer treatments is
studied as well. Oncologists are being researched to show how they contribute to the cultural
barriers, of ethics, religion, lifestyle, and tradition. The comes from the American Cancer Society
(ACS), defining cancer and its stages.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………....2
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………….3
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………..5
Limitations…………………………………………………………………………………...6
Literature Review………………………………………………………………………….....7
Discussion………………………………………………………………………………… ..11
What is Cancer?..........................................................................................................12
Common Cancer Types……………………………………………………....……...14
Prognosis “Stages”......................................................................................................16
Western Treatments for Cancer………………………………….…………..……....17
Treatment Side Effects……………………………………………...…………….....18
Purpose of Traditional “Holistic” Treatments
………………………………..……..18
Viewpoints of Cancer Treatment……………………………………….…………...19

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Treatments in Mexico………………………………………………….…………....21
Treatments in Africa…………………………………………………………….22
Treatments in Asia………………………………………………………….…...23
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….25
References…………………………………………………………………………………..27
Appendix A………………………………………………………………………………....32
Appendix B………………………………………………………………………………....33
Appendix C………………………………………………………………………………....34
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Cultural Barriers to Cancer Treatment Based on
Westernized Treatments vs. Alternative Cultural Based Treatments
INTRODUCTION
Western medicines and alternative cultural treatment are both useful for treating cancer,
but understanding the individual’s cultural limitations and background should be evaluated when
predicting the potential success of a treatment plan. Cancer is a genetic disease that is caused by
the changes in the gene that controls the function of the cell, specifically how they grow and
divide. Cancer was the second leading cause of cancer, worldwide in 2015 only trumped by
heart disease. Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate, followed by liver, colorectal, stomach,
and breast cancer. Individuals approach the treatment for these illnesses in many different ways.
Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are typical western medical treatments for cancer that are
are for the reduction of cancerous cells. Most people that choose these types of treatments are
those who trust the treatment, their doctors, and medicine that has proven to be the most
successful. But there can be some horrible side effect to using these treatments, and it is why
some individuals seek alternative medicines to treat cancer as well as their mental health.
Alternative treatments are primarily used in locals outside of the United States such as Mexico,
Africa, and Asia. The main types of alternative treatments are the herbal treatment(plant
extract), acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic treatment, and plant-based diets. The use of
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alternative medicines should be considered in the treatment process because as it could help with
the overall health state of an individual. Traditionally, individuals that utilize alternative cancer
treatments cannot afford the cost of westernized medical treatment and rely on these culturally
tried-and-true treatments. Along with expensive treatments, medical companies do not evaluate
the cultural backgrounds of the individuals and assist them in finding a treatment plan that the
patient is completely comfortable with. Cultural beliefs of an individual and a trusting mindset
that treatment can be successful may also have an impact on the success of the treatment itself.
Alternative treatments have been proven to reduce the side effects of western treatments.
Choosing westernized treatments versus alternative treatments is a personal decision that
requires lots of consideration. Individuals from different cultures express the desire for whole
body treatment that also incorporates mental and physical health, which may be included in
treatments such as herbal and acupuncture to cope with body changes during cancer. Finding
successful treatments or cures is the overall goal, but it is the sacrifice of quality of life afterward
that treatment seeks to address.
LIMITATIONS
Age-Group Limitations. While occurring in equal numbers in men, women, and
children, the research focuses on adults and cancer treatment. Most research focuses on
treatments if adults when it comes to cancer. Narrowing the treatment age group, allow for a
more concise look at cancer treatment choices. This research is performed mostly on adults also
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receiving alternative treatments as well as chemotherapy and other western treatments for cancer
diagnosis.
Geographical Limitations. Even though cancer is a worldwide illness\sickness, this will
focus on certain of regions. The regions researched are Mexico, parts of Africa, and Asia. These
specific areas were chosen because of their approach to cancer through more alternative a natural
treatments. However, these treatments are usually based on the number of resources and
financial capability. The majority of the research found comes from studies in Mexico, Asia, and
Africa; comparing their unique treatments of cancer contrasting with western types of medicine.
Scientific Experiment Limitations. While this project is based scientific research
utilizing statistics, the research is limited. The limitations are caused by the unavailability of
resources to conduct the studies needed for accurate analysis. The most informative research
would include patient interviews along with statistical-based research about each patient and
their cancer treatments. This type of research is not received well in the western medical,
scientific community as it adds a qualitative data variable to research that focuses on measurable
quantitative outcomes. The research projects will also examine different case studies performed
for cancer treatments using westernized medicines and even the success rates of using both
westernized and alternative cultural based treatments.
Literature Review
The references utilized propose the idea that collectively, western medicines should be
used with alternative medicines should be used or separately when considering others cultural
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backgrounds. Sources will be organized in order of importance, as well as the years are
expressed in order. Certain types of research were conducted for the advancement of the overall
topic. Also, some of the resources stated are useful in a way, but have more of a critical detail
that can be used, as well as different authors will be indicated.
The source written by Christian Simon is about, “Cancer, Ethical Issues Related to
Diagnosis and Treatment,” in 2014. This deals with the thesis statement of the paper as it
explains how oncologists are normally questioned on if they are responding to how ethnically
diverse individuals are. And the effect it has when researching the right types of treatment plans.
Also, the central pattern that Christian Simon expressed is that oncologists have an “ethical duty”
when diagnosing and finding a treatment plan that balances the reality of the specific cancer
type. Christian Simon also maintained that based on the advances in cancer control has emerged
since the 1970s the diagnosis is expressed differently based on particular areas.
The second source that is of importance for this research paper is an article written by
Susan Aldridge titled, “Cancer Drugs.” And what Susan Aldridge was trying to find was the
basis of what cancer truly was. As well as the types of drugs that could be used to treat the
different types of cancers that are out there in the world. The author found some key details
when going back into history and trying to find the ways that specific events could have
contributed to the enlargement of cancer as a whole. Based on what was a worldwide issue, such
as World War ll. Susan Aldridge’s thoughts about the different types of cancer treatment align
with what is said by what cancer treatments are used in westernized areas. And also the
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explanations of what types of medications work are seen as similar to both authors Susan and
Christian. But the info of the authors contradict each other as well, because Susan Aldridge does
not question the statement, “Are oncologists responding to the growing ethnic diversity of their
patients?” Which what was stated by another author whose name is Christian Simon.
However according to an author of an article about, “7 African Power Herbs That Kill
Cancer”, named Chukwuama Mumanya. There is a plant that is called Xylopia aethiopica,
which is a plant that is found in West Africa, used for nutritional and medicinal use. The plant is
used in a wide range “from dressing for sores, to rub on gums, and for the treatment of cancer in
Nigeria.” Chukuama stated, “This bitter leaf-based formula is a proven anti-diabetic and
anti-cancer formula in laboratory and clinical trials.” And has success in usage based on what is
said by the people of Nigeria. This source expresses the success of using alternative treatments
but contradicts the thoughts of using westernized treatments or using alternative treatments, only.
As stated by the co-authors, L. Cherath, and M. Sullivan on the topic of cancer. Cancer is an
illness that can also occur in the veins as well as organs. Frequently individuals don’t realize that
cancer does not necessarily just occ in bodily organs but also can occur in bones as well as the
veins based on the genetics of cancer type. As stated in the article, “The discovered history of
cancer all the way from the 1770s, two-hundred years ago”. The cause of cancer was discovered
by an observation done by an individual Percivall Pott. The co-authors stated that he was a
London doctor in 1775, who had scrotal cancer and found that since he worked as a chimney
sweeper. As well as died from exposure to radiation from X-rays. And the causes and treatments
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are studied all the way to the 1900’s with the scientists named, Alfred Knudson. This source is
in agreement with my thought pattern because it talks about how alternative treatments are and
can be useful to use, in conjunction with chemo, radiation, and or surgery, to ward off the many
symptoms that occur when performing those types of treatments.
The case study that was made by, “The Hastings Center Report” was performed in the
year of 2001 from September-October, The case study stated that the effects of turning from cure
to cancer are a huge problem. The reason stated was due to the lack of comfort and full
disclosure of diagnosis by the oncologist. And that some patients don’t feel “support.” This
source will be used sparingly by using key details such as methods used by the oncologist to
continue with the procedure. Health care procedures, as well as successes of the cancer
procedures, were reviewed as well, as they were performed on actual patients. Also revealing
how they feel about the procedure and how affected them. Also said by the “NCBI” in another
article, about cancer survivor perspectives vs. traditional Chinese medicines the dietary
supplements were confusing for some patients. As said, since there was a case study, the cancer
survivors were so used to the westernized treatments for example chemotherapy and radiation,
there reluctant to using the Chinese supplements. And are not really in support of the usage
because oncologists had not spoken to them and hadn’t been an excellent communicator of new
treatments to use.
A Gail database source called, “Holistic medicine” written in 2007, has explanations of
different types of cancer treatments which are going to be expressed in this research paper. The
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research paper explains what certain types of cancer treatments are and also the fact that there are
some alternative treatments out that are not just for certain types of illnesses. But also the fact
that there are holistic approaches to cancer treatment that are used in certain areas, and that helps
the entire body and the “mental state” of the patient as well. And the author of this articles shows
some types of holistic treatment approaches there are and how they help the body no matter what
the illness or sickness may be. The types of holistic treatments are acupuncture, acupressure,
chiropractic, etc.
As said by “Cancer Research UK,” talking about Alternative Medicines that are in
Mexico the source supports the thought pattern of what types of resources are used and why they
should be incorporated into cancer treatment as a whole. Cancer Research UK states that there
are “more than 35 types of alternative care clinics in Northern Mexico and Tijuana”. As said in
the article some laws govern the health system that is very different from the USA and in
Europe. Cancer treatments stated in the article include hydrotherapy, metabolic therapy,
nutritional therapy (Gerson diet), and more. This source is useful for its assertion that some
areas of Mexico use multiple combinations of treatment to reduce the stress associated with the
procedure.
This source is not as useful but has key details that can be used because according to the
“Hindawi,” article there are different types of alternative cancer therapies and centers that are
used to set back the side-effects for Radiotherapy treatment. The use of the alternative types of
medicine, in general, is to set back the effects that happen from taking certain types of treatment.
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According to the article, there are many alternative and medicines or practices that are used by
patients. Based on a chart it was shown it showed the usage percentage. Such as Dietary
adjustments (75% usage), Detoxification (25% usage), Herbal medicines (47% usage),
Meditation (64%), etc. These studies have been taken since 2012 to display the evidence of what
practices have been seen to be useful to others.
Discussion
Cancer is a significant problem that is occurring to others around the world. Treatments
are the next step in coping and lessen the effects of what is happening to their body. But not just
any treatment needs to be brought to the patient. The understanding of the individual's
background, lifestyle, religion, and morals should be taken into effect when suggesting and
performing a treatment procedure.
What is Cancer?
Going back in history cancer was not a known aspect of discovery, because either
individual had it but did not know that they did, or the individuals knew that they had but did not
know quite how they got it. Cancer is an illness that can strike any part of the body, caused by
the abnormal growth of cells. The illness usually appears in the form of mass called a tumor.
Two main types of cancer tumors occur in the body, malignant tumors are cancerous tumors that
can quickly spread to other areas of the body, and benign tumors are cancer tumors that are
usually isolated with little chance of spreading. When cancer moves through different parts of
the body, this is known as metastasis (Cherath, 2014).

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Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and causes more than 16 percent
of deaths each year. Cancer diagnoses are growing more and more rapidly each year (World
Health Organization, 2016). Throughout history, cancer has been known as an illness that
proliferates in different forms. Making it more challenging to develop the right type of treatment
plan, to help the patient with the effects of cancer and the side effects of the treatment. Agents
that cause cancer cells to grow are called Carcinogens. “Carcinogens are known to affect and
initiate metabolic processes at the level of cellular DNA (International Agency for Research on
Cancer, 2007).
Years ago there was a study that took place in 1775 about the different types of
cancer-producing agents that may have been around. The study took place with a man named
Sir Percival Pott who had discovered that he had scrotal cancer. The discovery led to the
hypothesis that he may have obtained cancer from working as a “chimney sweep.” With this
research “Pott was the first to link an environmental agent, coal tar, to cancer growth.” During
the year of 1918, scientists began tests on different types of chemicals studying their
“cancer-causing efficacy.” The first few experiments that took place were looking or
discovering specific attributes about polycyclic hydrocarbons. They focused on a particular
chemical called benzo(a)pyrene, which was found in coal tar. Experiments were, mostly
performed and introduced to ‘laboratory rats,' and it showed it caused cancer in rats (Cherath,
Lata and Michael Sullivan, 2014).

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In 1911, an individual by the name of Peyton Rous had found another cause of cancer
called sarcoma. He was awarded a Nobel Prize, for his discovery. Again in the year of 1932, an
individual named Lacassagne gave his statement that “estrogen injections caused mammary
cancer in mice.” This brought up the discussion about the role that hormones play in multiple
types of cancers. Also in 1896, x-rays had been a topic of investigation as well by Wilhelm
Roentgen. He had discovered the x-ray and showed that while x-rays can help determine certain
aspects of the body, it can also have adverse effects on the human body, causing cancer of the
skin. Throughout history, cancer has been known to develop in many through the exposure to
different types of agents. For example, environmental agents that tend to produce toxic chemical
radiation, the exposure to heavy metals, x-rays, high-fat diets, cigarette smoking, as well as
others create carcinogenic exposure to the body (Michael Sullivan, 2014).
Common Cancer Types
Many different types of cancers are out there in the world. Are many have yet to be
discovered. But the most common types of cancers are Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Basal cell
cancer, Melanoma, Colon cancer, Lung cancer, and Lymphoma. All of these types of cancers
can have adverse effects on the mental state of the individual alongside physical changes.
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is caused by the use of any type
tobacco product; and is most likely to occur with excessive smoking. Lung cancer is known as
the leading cancer deaths among men as well as women. “About 1 out of 4 cancer deaths are
from lung cancer”. (American Cancer Society) Each year, more people die of lung cancer than
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of colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined. More than 14% of cancers are new types of
lungs cancers. About 222,500 new cases of lung cancers are expected to be found in men and
women. Lung cancer occurs in mainly older individuals at about 65 years old or older, based on
2 out of 3 people diagnosed (ACS)
Breast Cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the breast and is usually more
prominent in women. As said by the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer occurs
when the cells in the breast of an individual proliferate. The cell can tend to grow in surrounding
tissue that forms in between, causing it to spread to different areas of the body. Men can also
have breast cancer but show up less frequently. Some types of growths occur in the breast that is
called malignant but is not considered as cancerous and detrimental to the health of the
individual.
Prostate cancer occurs in men and occurs in a man’s prostate causing a wall-nut
cancerous gland to produce fluid. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer that can grow in
American men. About 1 in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
Commonly prostate cancer is found in older men. About 6 cases in 10 are diagnosed in men aged
65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. (American Cancer Society)
Basal cell cancer is a type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cell of the nose. And is
a widespread skin cancer in more than 3 million people in the United States per year. Mostly
eight f 20 skin cancers are more than likely basal cell cancer. Cancer tends to develop in
sun-exposed areas of the body, mostly on the head of the individual as well as the neck
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(American Cancer Society). Individuals, as proven by the American Cancer Society who
develop this type of cancer, are more likely to have other forms of basal carcinoma come back to
the area, from which it is removed.
Melanoma is known as the most severe type of skin cancer because it occurs when there
is an unusual growth of the skin. And can arise when there is a change in the existing mole of
the skin, and it can occur in any area of the body, mainly affecting individuals over the age of 40
years old. The melanomas can develop in any area of the skin. For men, cancer occurs on the
chest and back, and for women, the skin can happen on the leg. Melanoma is less common than
basal cell cancer, but is more dangerous, because of its’ ability to spread to multiple areas of the
human body.
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that can occur in a large intestine of the body. Usually,
cancer tends to grow when there is a more significant amount of cell growth in the intestines.
The healthy tissue that is nearby is affected according to by the growth of the cancer cells.
Lymphoma can occur in many different types of stages. Lymphoma usually develops
when cancer spreads to the immune system. There is Hodgkin Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin
Lymphoma, and Lymphoma of the skin, along with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, which
destroys healthy white blood cells. The cancerous disease is called lymphocytes, that are apart
of the human body's immune system.
Prognosis “Stages”
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The various phases of cancer is a system used to label how far the disease has grown,
along with the actions needed to be taken to treat the type of cancer. Staging is used to
determine if the illness has spread to different parts of the body. They are categorized in the
stages of 1 to 4, with one being to smallest and with four being the most severe stage of cancer
enlarging process.
Stage 1 means that the cancerous cell is small and contained within an organ. Stage 2
means that cancer has not spread parts of the tissue, but is larger than that of stage 1. Stage 2
also means that the cancer cells have spread to lymph nodes close to a tumor, which depends
mainly on the size or how the cancer was formed (Cancer Research UK).
Stage 3 means that cancer has grown, and has spread to other parts of the body has soon
at this stage is prescribed to the patient. Most commonly means that the cancer cells have been
transported to the lymph nodes that are surrounding the cancerous cells. This leads to Stage 4,
where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This stage can occur in a completely
different organ and is the most serious when named ‘secondary or metastatic cancer.'
Western Treatments for Cancer
There are multiple types of treatments that are used in the US. The most common types
of treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy as well as
immunotherapy. Surgery is used for removing cancer from the mold which is mainly the mass
that has developed in the body. Chemotherapy can be used for the control of the tumors that
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occur within the body. And the treatment shrinks and stops cancer from growing more and more
within the body as well as in others organs of the body (ACS).
There are more than 100 cancer drugs in common use. They act to either kill cancer cells
outright or to at least slow down their rate of growth. There was a notion brought across during
the time of World War l (1914-1918). Based on an observation that was done with mustard gas,
the gas had severely damaged the DNA of the soldiers, causing them to have a shortage of white
blood cells. The men eventually died, which brought about the topic of cancer treatment.
However, cancer drugs did not enter the mainstream of cancer treatment until the 1940s (Susan
Aldridge, 2017).
Radiation therapy is used to kill the different cancer cells in the body. About 4 out of 10
people with cancer (40%) have radiotherapy as part of their treatment. Targeted Therapy is a
cancer drug that targets the cancer cells that are not quite like the other types of cancer cells. And
target the cells that make them different from other cells of the body. For immunotherapy, parts
of an individual’s immune system are stimulated to fight the disease (Cancer Research UK).
Treatment Side Effects
When there are treatments, sometimes there may be some side effects that can arise
when the treatment takes effect. There are western treatments such as what was expressed in the
paragraph above. It’s a 24-hour-a-day job that can drain both your brain and your body. There
are physical and emotional effects that take place when receiving treatment. Another statement is
that Dealing with this barrage of physical impacts takes its toll on you emotionally as well.
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Alternative treatments are used not to cure cancer but to treat the symptoms that occur (MD
Anderson Center). There are common types of side effects that occur with treatments. The side
effects include anemia, appetite loss, bleeding and bruising, fatigue, hair loss (alopecia), skin
changes, nausea, etc (National Institutes of Health, NIH).
Purpose of Traditional “Holistic” Treatments
There are many types of traditional treatments that are out there in the world. That can
include acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal treatments. Other traditional treatments can consist
of exercises which for cancer usually is yoga (Larry Blaser, 2014). Due to the calming effects
the body, meditation is used for relaxation and to improve the mental state of the individual and
calm the nerves. There was a study analyzing a wide range of treatments that are used and should
be used based research in 2012 that shows the usefulness of holistic medicines developed in
certain cultures to help revive and strengthen the mental state of the individual (Hindawi, 2012).
Treatments including Dietary adjustments have 75% usage, which improves the dietary
habits of the individual while giving them nutritional assistance. Detoxification (25% usage), is
used for the removal of toxins in the body that can be categorized as negative energy. Herbal
Medicines(47%) usage is used to rejuvenate the muscles of the individual and give the individual
natural ailments, to restore their health system. Meditation(64% usage) is a treatment that is
used by a wide range of individuals because it calms the body, and helps with stress the patient
might be having with western treatments that their doctors have prescribed (Hindawi, 2012).

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Viewpoints of Cancer Treatment
When it comes to the treatment of cancer, individuals utilizing western treatments such as
chemotherapy and radiation, tend to overlook traditional therapies. However, patients may feel
mislead their doctors(oncologists), based on the author of a study that researched the ethics
related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. To find the right type of treatment plan, the
oncologist has a specific “ethical duty.” This brings about a barrier because everyone has their
view on what is right. And when doctors are not having a trusting relationship with their patients
they will not truly understand why an individual may want western or cultural alternative
treatment. Which is to help the patient in every way as well as discuss with them what the right
type of treatments. They also need to consider the beliefs of the patient when it comes to their
health. The process that is done when finding the right type of treatment plan is finding the
proper treatment that coincides with what is happening with and to the patient (Christian Simon).
Ever since the 1970’s sophisticated ways of thinking for the advancement and cancer
treatment has been seen in history, throughout the years, that have been some changes to cancer
care such as the advancement of radiation and chemotherapy. According to Christian Simon,
the improvements ‘have created new problems’ with the struggle with cancer as a whole and
have raised questions that have to deal with, “the nature, quality, and outcomes of
oncologist-patient communication and decision making.” Cultural backgrounds of the patient
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take effect on the relationship with the doctor about knowing their patients, along with the way
that they encounter various problems, which lead to a barrier to cancer treatment.
From September-October, there was an issue with patients not receiving ‘true’ care.
Many patients that were reached out to in the study did not feel as if they were given the right
amount of support. The procedures by their physician affected them in a way that they felt
uncomfortable. As stated, “due to the lack of comfort and full disclosure of diagnosis by the
oncologist,” the treatment process was not exactly the best, due to the lack of help from their
oncologist, in a study done in the United States (Hastings Center Report, 2001).
There was a study done by ‘cancer survivor perspectives vs. traditional Chinese
medicines and dietary supplements; sometimes when it comes to the cultural barriers to
treatment. Another barrier may be the understanding of the medications that the patient has to
try to understand to go through with the procedure. Most of the patients felt as if the treatments
were very confusing and not explained to them thoroughly along with the explanation of the side
effects. 68 cancer survivors were studied during the choice of treatment, as well as “conflicting
information about dietary supplements tended to make cancer survivors confused.” The cost of
the procedures was also observed with the choices that were made, but trust played a significant
role in decision making. Some patients were comfortable with the treatments that they were
taking, and when faced with alternatives found it confusing. The process is complicated when
finding the right treatment plan (NCBI).

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As obtained by doing other types of research a cultural barrier would also be family and
lifestyle because when it comes to different treatments, treatments can become expensive. This
can later lead to a burden for the family because of the high costs of the western treatments.
Sometimes the only choice that an individual has is to go with the alternative treatments to help
cope with the different side effects of the treatment.
Treatments in Mexico
Treatments used for offsetting the effects of chemo and radiotherapy are dietary
adjustments as well as herbal medicines. Usually, these procedures are used to get the body
hydrated again after western treatments have taken effect on the body. Tijuana, Mexico has
several alternative treatment care clinics. Many Americans travel to Mexico if they are seeking
alternative care and treatment. The most common types of treatments that are used in more than
35 of their clinics include hydrotherapy, metabolic therapy, and a nutritional therapy called the
Gerson diet (Cancer Research UK).
Hydrotherapy, used water as treatment since it is known as a reviving supplement that we
need in our bodies. It is used as a pain reliever as well as a natural medicine to help heal bones
as well as the pain of the nerves. Metabolic therapy is used to try to remove harmful substances
from the body that considered toxins and it tends to be used to strengthen the body’s resistance to
certain types of illnesses. Metabolic therapy can be used in conjunction with other kinds of
specialized diets (Cancer Research UK). The Gerson diet “is advocated by its supporters as a
method of treating cancer patients based on changes in diet and nutrient intake.” (NIH). It is also

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said to be a diet regimen to rebuild the immune system, along with vitamins that are used to
detox the body.
Treatments in Africa
Chukwuama Maumya during a case study discovered the 7 African Power Herbs that kill
cancer. A plant found in West Africa named Xylopia aethiopica is used for nutritional,
medicinal use. The belief system is a barrier to cancer treatment because the African culture
tends to believe in nature and pure substances, and as expressed in the sources, alternative
medicines are shown in simplified demand, even in hospitals. In the hospitals, this treatment is
used in a broad way of ranges from dressing for wounds to rubbing on gums for infection
treatments, along with when there are infections, along with cancer treatment in Nigeria (Don
Jaide, 2014).
The success of this plant has been reported and is grown in different areas. Ageratum
conyzoides is typically called goat weed and billy goat weed and is native to Central America,
Caribbean, United States, Southeast Asia, South China, India, Nigeria, Australia, as well as
South America. The therapy is used for fevers, pneumonia, cold, rheumatism, spasms,
headaches, as well as the curing of wounds. It helps with the side effects of certain types of
cancer treatments as well (Chukwuama Maumya).
The treatment of using Ocimum gratissimum, a tea bush, is used as a “potential Cancer-
fighting Ocimum gratissimum (OG) leaf extract.” Based on other researchers who have studied
this treatment, the ‘anti-proliferation activity’ of the leaf extract performs as a cancer-fighting
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compound and results from the aqueous concentration on the extract. The next herb used,
Kigelia Africana, researchers have said that it could be effective in the treatment of cancers.
According to the work of the scientists P.J. at Houghton of the Pharmacognosy Research
Laboratories, at King’s College London, since the treatment is a pure substance, there has been
some considerable justification, because it has a reputation as an ‘anti-inflammatory’ type of
substance.
Vernonia amygdalina is another herb that is used in Western Africa for the treatment of
cancer and other illnesses. It is made of a bitter leaf that was patented in the United States and is
proven to be an antidiabetic an anti-cancer, as confirmed by Nigerian cancer biologists. Carica
Papaya is a papaya extract that is used as a cancer-fighting supplement and can be used for a
wide range of tumors. It has been used as a folk remedy in many different parts of the world
including Asia, connecting the Asian inclusion with this resource in Native Vietnam and other
indigenous areas discovered by a scientist in Asia by the name of Deng.
Another type of treatment using Cannabis Sativa, which has been proven to be useful in
certain kinds of remedies for treatments. Researchers first experimented on mice which had
three different forms of brain cancers that humans also have. Injections performed daily
stimulated the cells that were cancerous and showed a “break-down” process of the cells (Don
Jaide, 2014).
Treatments in Asia
TREATMENT
25
The use of complementary medicine and alternative medicine is used in China and
Malaysia, according to the case study and survey that was taken. The alternative medications are
used as a backup after conventional medicine. There is a process used in Malaysia when there is
a lack of diagnosis. The study had a total of 340 patient had participants (NCBI). According to
the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines, complementary and
Alternative Medicines (CAM) was used in a range of healthcare practices. In the Malaysian
community, there is a combination of multiethnic and multicultural countries which adds to the
decision making process.
A study done with Asian Cancer Survivors, dealing with the long-term and
post-treatment cancer care of the patients, showed that there were some treatments not used by
the patients. The individuals use western-like treatment such as chemotherapy in Thailand and
Malaysia. They also utilized alternative medicines and used it when they were in a
circumstantial time of need which include yoga, listening to music, acupuncture, and
acupressure. The alternative treatments were later not used because the brought the patients to a
higher stage in the cancer process (Puataweepong, P., 2012). Even though Malaysia has a
particular belief system, the cultural barriers are the lifestyle, religion, and ethics. The treatment
process caused patients to put aside what they are used to and go with what is proven to be the
system that works, even though they used some alternative medicines as well. Some of the
Chinese patients stated that the alternative treatments that were used for breast cancer brought
them to a higher stage of cancer as well. But that was before that were actually screened for
TREATMENT
26
having cancer. Knowing what the cancer is and finding the best treatments is the best route to
take.

Conclusion
Although there are different treatments for cancer in many different aspects, there are
barriers. Some barriers lead to people being able to decide on which treatment they should use to
be more successful in their recovery process. The cultural barriers would be ethics, religion,
culture, lifestyle, etc. The way that individuals view certain avenues of treatment may be
different from others.
Sometimes the problem between the use of western and alternative cultural medicine is
the thought that sometimes there is a lack of doctor-patient relationships. When there is a lack in
that aspect, it means that there is no genuine successful care that is taken into effect. The lack of
understanding how others lifestyles are driving the lack of communication as well. Some patients
as researched are using treatment before there are even being told what issue they are having.
There is a trust issue that takes effect when finding the right type of treatment options.
TREATMENT
27
An individual knowing how individually, the treatment works and how western and
alternative medicine work together, is essential because it informs others on what is the right
decision to make. The individual's choice has to do with ethics. As going through this
research, there have been individuals researched that say that the treatment that they use has
moved them to a higher stage in the cancer growth process. But that had occurred because of the
lack of the screening process when it came to the fact that some patients were confused with the
medicine, which was coming from the point that the patient was not fully informed about
specific types of issues. Even though the research was done and looked at through different
lenses, cancer is still a worldwide issue that needs to be addressed. As well as oncologists duties
contributing in some way to the cancer treatment process.

TREATMENT
28

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Appendix A

Interviewer:Niaylah Means
Interviewee: Stephanie Trevino (Global Ecology(Biology) Teacher)
Questions:
What type of cancer did you or your family have?
My brother had sarcophagus colon cancer and later the cancer moved to the liver.
TREATMENT
34
What treatments did they use? And Why?

My brother used one round of chemo, which caused the cancer to shrink at the same time he did
a diet and treatment plan. He could not eat whole fruits.
How did the treatment effect their body?
He started to work out which caused him to overall loose a lot of weight. The oncologist wanted
to do chemotherapy, but my brother said “no” because he thought that the diet was working.
With the second scan the growth had shrunk without the chemo, but had grown back after the
third scan. So he went and backtracked to doing chemotherapy and surgery.
How did they feel (cope) during the treatment?
My brother did not like the effects of the chemo so he did Redlight therapy to counteract the
effects. He tried hard to stay off the chemo, but now he is stuck with having to do chemotherapy
until he dies from it.
Did they consider or receive assistance from their oncologist about different treatment
options?
No, the doctor was adamant about doing chemo and surgery. The doctor stated that my brother
had a certain percentage of survival left. And he wanted to stop with the chemo but the
oncologist told him that he had to take the treatment.
How do they feel about alternative vs. western treatments?
He seems to be very trusting in alternative treatments, even though it did not seem to work at
first. The reason why is because he is very religious, because of converting to a ‘Born Again
Christian’ belief. He later went to Tijuana, Mexico and was able to afford one of the Gerson
diets, because of not being able to afford much treatments in the US.
What was the effect on the family relationship?
The family was torn because he was not covered under their insurance, and was not able to easily
contribute money.

Appendix B

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35
Appendix C

Research Paper Niaylah Means

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WESTERNIZED CANCER TREATMENT VS.

ALTERNATIVE CULTURAL CANCER

Cultural Barriers to Cancer Treatment Based on

Westernized Treatments vs. Alternative Cultural Based Treatments

December 8th, 2017

(ACS), defining cancer and its stages.

Common Cancer Types……………………………………………………....……...14

Western Treatments for Cancer………………………………….…………..……....17

Treatment Side Effects……………………………………………...…………….....18

Purpose of Traditional “Holistic” Treatments

Viewpoints of Cancer Treatment……………………………………….…………...19

Cultural Barriers to Cancer Treatment Based on

Westernized Treatments vs. Alternative Cultural Based Treatments

Choosing westernized treatments versus alternative treatments is a personal decision that

that treatment seeks to address.

Age-Group Limitations.​ While occurring in equal numbers in men, women, and

Geographical Limitations.​ Even though cancer is a worldwide illness\sickness, this will

Scientific Experiment Limitations.​ While this project is based scientific research

westernized and alternative cultural based treatments.

that can be used, as well as different authors will be indicated.

symptoms that occur when performing those types of treatments.

practices have been seen to be useful to others.

are the next step in coping and lessen the effects of what is happening to their body. But not just

performing a treatment procedure.

individual had it but did not know that they did, or the individuals knew that they had but did not

Two main types of cancer tumors occur in the body, malignant tumors are cancerous tumors that

the body, this is known as metastasis (Cherath, 2014).

proliferates in different forms. Making it more challenging to develop the right type of treatment

Lata and Michael Sullivan, 2014).

called sarcoma. He was awarded a Nobel Prize, for his discovery. Again in the year of 1932, an

different types of agents. For example, environmental agents that tend to produce toxic chemical

others create carcinogenic exposure to the body (Michael Sullivan, 2014).

Common Cancer Types

discovered. But the most common types of cancers are Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Basal cell

women. Lung cancer occurs in mainly older individuals at about 65 years old or older, based on

2 out of 3 people diagnosed (ACS)

Breast Cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the breast and is usually more

when the cells in the breast of an individual proliferate. The cell can tend to grow in surrounding

have breast cancer but show up less frequently. Some types of growths occur in the breast that is

65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. (American Cancer Society)

develop this type of cancer, are more likely to have other forms of basal carcinoma come back to

the area, from which it is removed.

the skin, and it can occur in any area of the body, mainly affecting individuals over the age of 40

of the human body's immune system.

Western Treatments for Cancer

occur within the body. And the treatment shrinks and stops cancer from growing more and more

within the body as well as in others organs of the body (ACS).

There are more than 100 cancer drugs in common use. They act to either kill cancer cells

the time of World War l (1914-1918). Based on an observation that was done with mustard gas,

the gas had severely damaged the DNA of the soldiers, causing them to have a shortage of white

Treatment Side Effects

when the treatment takes effect. There are western treatments such as what was expressed in the

changes, nausea, etc (National Institutes of Health, NIH).

Purpose of Traditional “Holistic” Treatments

include acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal treatments. Other traditional treatments can consist

Viewpoints of Cancer Treatment

treatment has been seen in history, throughout the years, that have been some changes to cancer

were very confusing and not explained to them thoroughly along with the explanation of the side

finding the right treatment plan (NCBI).

cope with the different side effects of the treatment.

alternative care and treatment. The most common types of treatments that are used in more than

Gerson diet (Cancer Research UK).

Hydrotherapy, used water as treatment since it is known as a reviving supplement that we

Age-Group Limitations. While occurring in equal numbers in men, women, and

Geographical Limitations. Even though cancer is a worldwide illness\sickness, this will

Scientific Experiment Limitations. While this project is based scientific research

cancer treatments as well (Chukwuama Maumya).

2017, from https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/