Every year there are significant improvements in the treatment of cancer. However, treatment can be vastly improved in the following four areas:

1. Diet. A cancer patient asked his doctor if he recommended any particular kinds of food. His reply was, "Don't eat hamburgers." That was good advice, but grossly inadequate. There is a world of information in this area and every patient should read up on it. Grape juice is a highly recommended food. Some people have tried a "juice fast" -- drinking grape juice, and very little other food. Fruits, particularly apples, and fresh vegetables are highly recommended. In addition, turning away from meat and instead eating fish is good. Olive oil is good, but stay away from bad fats such as hydrogenated fats. Most packaged foods, such as potato chips, have hydrogenated fats. Eat more soy products.

It makes no sense to undergo medical treatment for cancer and yet, at the same time, to be eating food that may bring forth cancer.

2. Alternative treatments. Good doctors should not only be open to the possibility of alternative treatments of cancer, but should encourage patients to study the literature so they can make their own decision. Alternative treatments should be used in cooperation with and in addition to the medical treatment. Only rarely should alternative methods be used alone -- for instance, when the doctor says he can not do anything more. Use the thinking inside the box, and at the same time, use the thinking outside the box. Complementary therapies can increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Here are just a few of the many alternatives: Acupuncture, biofeedback, meditation, visualization, exercise, yoga, aromatherapy, music, hypnosis, tai chi, Reiki and spiritual healing.

There are many herbal teas that are said to be helpful. One is a tea that some people in Canada swear by. It is made from a combination of herbs: Burdock (immune strengthener), Sheep Sorrel (strengthens cell walls), Turkey Rhubarb (liver cleanser) and Slippery Elm (reduces swelling). This should not be taken by those under 12, or pregnant women; and should not be taken unless recommended by a person who has a deep knowledge of herbs.

3. Doctors should not be pedantic when advising patients. In other words, there are numerous ways to treat cancer; and the amount of radiation or chemotherapy should be thoroughly discussed. The doctor will, of course, give his recommendation, but should be open and cooperative with the patient. He should not be insulted if the patient asks this question: "Will the side effects of your plan be worse than the cancer itself?"

After surgery, patients are told of a regimen of treatments that they will undergo. Here is a valid question: "If you have removed the cancer, why must I undergo this treatment?" It is a very complex issue. Yet, in some cases, the patient may elect to reduce the amount of radiation.

Whatever path you choose, I have a strong recommendation: Avoid using the word "remission" except in cases where it is warranted. Remission means a pause, an interlude, an interruption. It implies that the cancer will return. If someone uses the word, politely ask them to stop. Thousands upon thousands of people can tell you with certainty that they have had cancer and are healed. "Healed" is the word.

4. Stress. Stress, anxiety and fear can adversely affect most diseases, particularly cancer. Doctors can help by the way in which they present the facts. Friends of the patient can help. There is a great fear of cancer. Often when the patient tells her friends that she has cancer, the reaction is one of dread and foreboding. This is not good.

One cancer patient, who used both medical and alternative methods of treatment, said, "I think my cancer was sent for a reason, and that is to tell people that cancer isn't spelled with a big 'C', that you can live with it, and there is a lot we can do to prevent it. Having cancer doesn't mean that our life has come to an end -- in many cases, it's just the beginning."

There is wisdom in those words.

Stanley Peele serves as an emergency judge throughout the state. Readers can contact him at chh@heraldsun.com or c/o The Chapel Hill Herald, 2828 Pickett Road, Durham, NC 27705.