Dealing with the side effects of cancer medications can be an arduous process for patients.
But a recently formed organization, called the Canada Anti-Cancer Rehabilitation Association, is planning to promote the benefits of incorporating traditional Chinese medicine with western treatments to provide relief.
Speaking through an interpreter, Dr. Jinhua Shi, CACRA’s president, told the Richmond News treatments such as chemotherapy can often induce nausea and suppress a patient’s appetite at a time when ingesting nutrition is a vital part of the rehabilitation process.
Using traditional remedies such as dang shen (Codonopsis pilosula) which is sometimes referred to as “poor man’s ginseng” is an example where contemporary western medicine can be complimented to achieve a positive result.
“We know there are some side effects from the Western way,” Shi said. “Basically, we will be focusing on detoxing patients from the cancer treatment medications. And we can help through food supplements and traditional Chinese medicine which can also help to improve their immune system, as well.”
This Sunday (Aug. 18) CACRA is hosting a grand opening ceremony in Richmond to help publicize another portion of its mandate — creating awareness of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to guard against cancer.
While it is not aimed specifically at the Chinese immigrant population, CACRA spokeswoman Lily Xu said it does hope to address a wider audience that includes Chinese-speaking residents.
“One of our aspects focuses on prevention,” Shi said, “and through publicity campaigns we want to let people know the healthy way to protect themselves from cancer.”
To help spread the information the association is in the midst of developing its website.
It is also helping bring local doctors using traditional Chinese medicine up to speed by implementing a training program which is in development, Xu said.
