How sophisticated is our understanding of cancer? ....There is so much information available on cancer---statistics, potential causes and prevention. There are also a great number of people afflicted with cancer, and many who are not yet aware of their condition. And while cancer is a condition that many people have been touched by in one way or another (oneself, a family member or a friend has been diagnosed), I do not feel that there is a tremendous understanding of cancer in the realm of Western medicine. To me, cancer seems like an umbrella term for many possible cellular disorders that in time, with more research, may be siphoned out of the general 'cancer' category. Research that points toward viral factors as a potential cause in some cancers seems promising. In regards to treatment options, I feel that many Western therapies are too aggressive and invasive. There is too much focus on 'the tumor' and not enough on supporting the body as a whole (and the mind) while it undergoes the trauma of 'cancer therapy'. No doubt that being diagnosed with cancer is not an easy thing. I suspect that many people who are diagnosed may feel shocked and some-kind-of-panicked. I feel like there is this judgment here in Western society---we are supposed to *fight* cancer---and if you do not utilize all available technologies (surgery, chemo, radiation), then you are giving up on life. Living with cancer is not an option.
How does the TCM approach to cancer differ?....TCM takes the whole complexity of the situation into account. In contrast to Western medicine, TCM most notably treats the body as a whole and because of the philosophies behind TCM practice, namely the relationship between the internal organs and the emotions, the emotional well-being of an individual also figures into treatment. It is believed that a weakened body is highly susceptible to carcinogens, and therefore the development of malignant cells. Cancer is treated as a systematic disorder. The body is supported, not further traumatized. For cancers that are more advanced, TCM can be a tremendous suppotive therapy that can help ease the symptoms of cancer increasing quality of life and lifespan. TCM helps people live with cancer. TCM can also help prevent cancer by balancing the disharmonies that are believed to cause cancer before they do.
Are our genes still being shaped by natural selection? ....Gosh. I hope so! However, I think genetic evolution is powered more by culture and politics these days than by the 'natural' criteria of Darwin's days. Survival of the richest is more the game. Ironically though, take away a rich man's toys and send him off into the woods to play ...not likely that he will survive. (I don't mean to sound so critical---try and try I might, I can't even light a fire in my fireplace!)
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