27 Alternative Cancer Treatments

Cancer treatment has advanced significantly, with many individuals seeking alternative and complementary therapies to support healing, manage symptoms, and fight the disease directly. This article covers various alternative therapies, their benefits, risks, and where to find them.

1. Lymphatic Drainage

• Massage technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system.

• Aids in detoxification and immune support, both key components to fighting cancer/disease.

• May help reduce swelling and improve circulation, which means more oxygen to cells (and cancer hates oxygen).

• Typically performed by a trained therapist or through specialized devices.

• Rebounding is an easy at-home method for lymph drainage.

2. IV Therapy

• Involves the infusion of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream.

• Widely used at alternative cancer clinics to support nutritional deficiencies, conventional treatments, and detoxification.

• Common IV therapies include Myers’ Cocktail, glutathione, and high-dose vitamin C.

3. High-Dose Vitamin C Therapy

• Administered intravenously to reach levels higher than what can be achieved through oral intake.

• Widely used at alternative cancer clinics.

• Can support immune function and act as an antioxidant.

• Studies suggest that high-dose IV vitamin C may help slow cancer growth, reduce tumor size, and improve the effects of chemotherapy without harming healthy cells.

4. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

• A therapy where patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber.

• Cancer cells thrive in low-oxygen environments; therefore, increasing oxygen levels may help slow tumor growth.

• Can improve the effectiveness of conventional treatments.

• Used alongside cancer treatments for its potential to inhibit cancer cell growth.

5. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)

• Provides targeted/pulsed electromagnetic waves to stimulate cellular function at specific frequencies.

• Improves cellular health, creating an environment less favorable for cancer growth.

• Reduces inflammation linked to cancer progression.

• Improves blood flow/oxygen delivery, making it harder for cancer cells to survive (cancer cells hate oxygen).

• Detoxifies the body, aiding in the removal of harmful toxins.

• Can also reduce pain, improve sleep, increase energy, improve recovery, and support immune function.

• Can purchase as at-home devices or access through a professional provider.

• For a free at-home method try Earthing. Simply put your body in direct contact with the earth (like walking barefoot on the grass), which allows your body to absorb the free electrons, offering similar benefits to PEMF

  
  

6. Anti-inflammatory/Anti-cancer Diet and Juicing

• Emphasizes whole, organic, and plant-based foods.

• Involves juicing fresh fruits and vegetables to deliver high doses of vitamins and antioxidants.

• Widely used at alternative cancer clinics to support nutritional deficiencies, aid in detoxification, and bolster immune function.

• A centerpiece of renowned cancer programs like Gerson Therapy and Hippocrates Health Institute.

7. Parasite Cleanse (Twice a Year)

• Rids the body of parasites that compromise immune function.

• Some cancers are believed to be parasitic.

• May include herbal remedies like black walnut hull, wormwood, clove, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.

• May include medications like ivermectin, fenbendazole, and mebendazole.

• May include teas like Wormwood Tea.

8. Hyperthermia Therapy

• Involves raising the body’s temperature to promote healing.

• Can be whole-body or local hyperthermia, targeting specific tissues or tumors.

• May use infrared therapy/saunas, radiofrequency, ultrasound, hot water immersion/hot tubs, and specialized medical devices.

• Some forms can be done at home (infrared saunas, hot baths, heating pads), while more advanced treatments require medical supervision.

• Can weaken or kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Cancer cells don’t like heat!

• Boosts the immune system, as a higher body temperature stimulates white blood cells.

• Increases blood flow/circulation means more oxygen for your cells, which can help with tissue repair and detoxification.

• Increases the efficacy of traditional cancer treatments (radiation and chemotherapy). This is huge!

• Reduces inflammation and pain.

• Supports detoxification – sweating helps flush out toxins.

9. Infrared Sauna Therapy

• A form of hyperthermia.

• Uses infrared light to heat the body directly instead of warming the air around you.

• Unlike traditional saunas that make you sweat heavily, infrared saunas provide a gentler but deeper heat experience.

• Relaxes the body, rids toxins, and bolsters immune function.

• Saunas improve circulation and oxygenation.

• Cancer doesn’t like high temperatures or oxygen, therefore, infrared therapy can make the body inhospitable to cancer.

10. Red Light Therapy

• Involves exposure to low-wavelength red light, using LED panels, lamps, or laser devices.

• Unlike the sun’s UV rays (which can make you look like a raisin), red light penetrates the skin safely, promoting healing and cellular regeneration.

• Decreases inflammation.

• Enhances mitochondrial function and immune response.

• Stimulates mitochondria to work more efficiently and produce more ATP (cellular energy).

• Reduces chemotherapy-induced mouth sores

• Eases pain and inflammation associated with cancer treatments

• Used to improve physical performance, skin health, pain management, and cancer support.

11. Colonics (Colon Hydrotherapy) & Coffee Enemas

Colonics:

• A procedure that gently flushes the colon with filtered water to remove toxins, waste, and anything else overstaying its welcome.

• Requires professional administration to ensure safety.

Coffee Enemas:

• Used to stimulate the liver and gallbladder, promoting detoxification.

• Alternative practitioners, including renowned Dr. Gerson, have long used coffee enemas for cancer treatment.

• Can be done at home with proper guidance to avoid electrolyte imbalances.

Benefits:

• Eliminates toxins that can burden the immune system.

• Reduces inflammation, detoxifies the body, and supports overall healing.

• Removes impacted waste, which improves digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.

• Reduces bloating, constipation, and gut inflammation and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria.

• Improves and clears skin.

• Supports cancer recovery and prevention.

• Coffee enemas stimulate the liver to flush out toxins and produce more glutathione.

• Glutathione production is a key player in cellular repair and protection against oxidative stress.

  
  

12. Mistletoe Therapy

• Extracts from the Viscum album plant, which is semi-parasitic and grows on trees like oak, pine, and apple.

• Has been used in Europe for decades for cancer treatment and is catching on around the globe.

• Stimulates the immune system and improves quality of life.

• Enhances natural killer (NK) cells and T-cells.

• Induces apoptosis, encouraging cancer cells to self-destruct.

• Reduces inflammation that can fuel disease and cancer growth.

• Helps cancer patients have less fatigue, better appetite, and improved mood.

• Injections require administration by trained practitioners.

• Oral extracts can be taken at home for general support.

 

13. Rife Frequency Therapy

• Based on the idea that specific electromagnetic frequencies can destroy cancer cells.

• Uses a Rife machine to deliver low-energy electromagnetic waves.

• Lacks extensive clinical validation but is used in some alternative medicine circles.

14. Ozone Therapy

• Involves administering ozone gas (O3), a molecule of three oxygen atoms, into the body via various methods (IV, ozone injections, rectal insufflation, ozonated water, etc.).

• Increases oxygen delivery to tissues, creating an inhospitable environment for cancer.

• Supports detoxification by breaking down harmful substances in the body.

• Reduces side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

• Detoxifies the body.

• Improves mitochondrial function and enhances the immune system by stimulating white blood cells.

• Believed to combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

• Controversial due to risks such as respiratory issues, worsening of chronic conditions, potential blood clotting issues, and lack of FDA approval.

15. Methylene Blue Therapy

• Originally used as a dye and antimicrobial agent, now being explored for mitochondrial support and cancer treatment.

• Improves cognitive function and provides anti-aging effects.

• Enhances mitochondrial function, cellular respiration, and combats oxidative stress.

• Research is ongoing into its potential anticancer properties, particularly in combination with photodynamic therapy.

• Seen in the news as being used by celebrities for its health benefits.

• Risks of serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome, G6PD deficiency, etc.

16. Shilajit

• A mineral-rich resin sourced from high-altitude cliffs, particularly in the Himalayas, Altai, and Caucasus mountains.

• Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for vitality and longevity.

• Can be enjoyed fresh, in juices/smoothies, teas, and used topically.

• Packed with over 85 trace minerals and powerful antioxidants.

• Contains fulvic acid, which may support detoxification and nutrient absorption.

• Supports cancer prevention and treatment by boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and promoting apoptosis (cell death) of harmful cells.

• Find in health food stores and online retailers.

17. Soursop (AKA Graviola, Annona muricata, Guanabana)

• A tropical fruit with compounds believed to have anti-cancer properties.

• Rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that may support immune health.

• Used in various traditional healing systems for cancer support.

• Potential anti-cancer properties can target cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

• Possible benefits for improving quality of life during cancer treatment.

18. Budwig Protocol

• A well-known, non-toxic, and widely used diet-based therapy that includes consuming flaxseed oil and cottage cheese to support cellular oxygenation.

• Developed by Dr. Johanna Budwig as a natural anti-cancer protocol.

• Reduces inflammation and enhance metabolic function.

• May improve oxygenation at the cellular level, which could starve cancer cells of the low-oxygen environment they need to thrive.

• Easy to do at home and very inexpensive.

19. Sound Therapy

·       Science-backed method that uses sound waves, vibrations, and frequencies designed to promote healing and well-being.

• Ancient cultures have used sound healing for centuries—think Tibetan singing bowls, chanting monks, and didgeridoos.

• Different frequencies impact different systems in the body. Some enhance relaxation, while others may stimulate cellular

• 528 Hz, aka the "Love Frequency"), is believed to promote DNA repair and cellular regeneration.

• Relaxes the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight), shifting the body into the parasympathetic state (rest-and-digest mode), so it can focus on immune function, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance.

• Specific frequencies may disrupt cancer cell growth while supporting healthy cells.

• Can help cancer patients to manage pain, reduce nausea, and improve sleep quality.

20. Cold Therapy

·       Any treatment where you expose your body to cold temperatures to promote healing and wellness.

• Could include ice packs, ice baths, or more advanced cryotherapy chambers that use extreme cold temperatures to treat the body.

• Reduces systemic inflammation, a key driver of cancer.

• Enhances mitochondrial function, which helps prevent cancer cell growth.

• May make cancer cells more susceptible to apoptosis (cell death) while boosting immune responses.

21. Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, Mebendazole

• These antiparasitic drugs may have cancer-fighting mechanisms.

• A pivotal study conducted in 2015, showed that rats given Mebendazole did not develop cancer, despite being exposed to carcinogens

• These drugs may starve tumors by cutting-off the glucose supply.

• May help activate immune responses that can take down cancer cells.

• May prevent disease recurrence by targeting Cancer Stem Cells.

• May be available by prescription or to purchase from online shops.

22. Gerson Therapy

• Popular alternative cancer treatment developed by Dr. Max Gerson in the 1930s.

• Dietary-based approach that emphasizes organic plant-based foods, fresh juices, coffee enemas, and supplements to detoxify the body and restore cellular metabolism.

23. Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy

• Uses enzymes (like those from pineapples and papayas) to break down the protective fibrin coating around cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to the immune system.

• Championed by Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez and Dr. William Kelley.

24. Chelation

• Designed to remove heavy metals like lead and mercury from the body using chelating agents such as EDTA.

• Heavy metal detoxification can support cancer treatment by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

25. Frankincense Essential Oil

• The cancer-fighting abilities Frankincense (aka boswellia serrata) is well-researched and believed to reduce tumor proliferation.

• Dilute with coconut oil and apply on the neck (and bottoms of feet if you desire) before bed.

26. Targeted Supplements

There are a variety of proven anti-cancer supplements, to include;

• Vitamin D – Crucial for immune function, with research linking deficiency to increased cancer risk. Studies suggest high doses may support treatment.

• Curcumin – The active compound in turmeric, known for its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects by inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis.

• Pectasol (Modified Citrus Pectin) – A natural compound that may help prevent metastasis by blocking galectin-3, a protein associated with tumor growth.

• Medicinal Mushrooms – Varieties like Reishi, Chaga, and Turkey Tail contain beta-glucans that enhance immune function and may help slow cancer progression.

 

-->This topic is expansive. Get our free Supplement ebook 

that includes our full ant-cancer routine.

 

27. Happiness & Mind/Body Therapies (meditation, prayer, breathwork, fun, etc.)

• Mental health and happiness have a profound impact on cancer prognosis. For where the mind goes….the body follows.

• Fun, love, and happiness lower cortisol levels, improve immune function, and help regulate genes linked to inflammation and cancer progression.

• Therapies, such as meditation, guided imagery, prayer, and breathwork, significantly improve physical health by reducing stress and enhancing immune function.

• Mental health, stress reduction, and emotional balance are key components of holistic cancer care.

• Studies indicate that positive emotions can lower inflammation, boost natural killer cell activity, and improve resilience against disease (NIH, 2021).

• Research published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that cancer patients with higher levels of happiness and optimism had better survival rates and improved quality of life.

• A study in JAMA Oncology suggests that emotional well-being can influence treatment response and even slow tumor progression.

-->Get the Find Your Happy book to get the survivor’s formula (30 keys)

for maintaining a positive mindset during difficult times.

 

Who Might Consider Alternative Treatments?

Individuals exploring alternative cancer treatments often include those who:

• Believe their body has an innate ability to heal itself when given what it needs.

• Want a sense of control after an unwanted diagnosis has threatened to drastically change their world.

• Want to address their health holistically: mind, body, spirit.

• Want to avoid conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

• Wish to increase the efficacy of conventional treatments while reducing the side effects (complementary care).

• Have advanced cancer and are looking for additional options after standard treatments have been exhausted.

Potential Benefits

• Achieve Wellness Gently: These therapies are more gentle on the body.

• Sense of Control: Engaging in alternative therapies can provide patients with a feeling of empowerment over their treatment journey.

• Improved Quality of Life: Alternative practices help reduce stress and improve mental and physical well-being.

• Symptom Management: Certain complementary therapies might assist in alleviating symptoms or side effects associated with conventional treatments.

• Increased Efficacy of Conventional Medications: Certain complementary therapies might assist in maximizing the benefits of conventional treatments.

Potential Risks/Considerations

• Lack of Scientific Evidence: Many alternative treatments have not been proven effective through rigorous clinical trials.

• Potential Harm: Some alternative therapies can cause adverse effects or interact negatively with standard treatments.

• Delay in Effective Treatment: Opting for alternative treatments in place of conventional care can lead to disease progression.

• Regulation: Alternative treatment centers may not be regulated to the same extent as conventional medical facilities. It's important to research each center thoroughly and consider seeking second opinions.

• Insurance: Many alternative treatments are not covered by insurance.

  
  

Tips

If considering alternative cancer treatments, it's essential to:

• Be the CEO of your own health. Run your health like you’d run a mega-corporation. This means you’re in charge!  So do not let the white coats push you around.

• Carefully organize a brilliant and diverse dream team. Just as you would for any other job vacancy, you need to interview practitioners for a seat on your dream team. Your team should include a mix of conventional, integrative, naturopathic, and alternative specialists who understand your wellness philosophy.

• Go to the right places and get 2nd and 3rd opinions. You can’t stack your team if you don’t conduct plenty of interviews. For conventional therapies, go for the gusto: Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson, Johns Hopkins, Sloan Kettering, etc. For alternative providers, see the list below.

• Look for a Harvard education and a heart connection. While having Ivy League docs on your team can be remarkable, you also need to have a soulful connection with them. A sense that they care, that they understand your plight, and that they are agreeable to your wellness philosophy.

• Be cautious of unverified claims. Be wary of treatments that promise cures without scientific backing.

• Ensure coordinated care. Ask your dream team members to get to know each other and confer with one another about your care. This care team approach will ensure that safety protocols are followed, innovative tools are utilized, and wellness goals are met.

• Make mental health a priority. For where the mind goes, the body follows.

• Pray & keep the faith. Spirituality and faith are game changers that profoundly affect outcomes.

Where to Access Alternative/Integrative Treatments

• Licensed Naturopathic Clinics

• Alternative Clinics

• Integrative Oncology Centers

• Wellness Retreats

• Integrative and Functional Medicine Practitioners.

Hippocrates Health Institute

📍 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

🌐 Website: hippocrateswellness.org

Overview:

• Founded in 1956, located on a 55-acre tropical retreat.

• Focuses on holistic therapies, emphasizing raw vegan diets, wheatgrass therapy, and natural treatments.

• Offers therapies such as: Acupuncture, Colon Hydrotherapy, Psychotherapy, H-Wave Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Oxygen Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, etc.

Hope4Cancer Treatment Centers

📍 Location: Tijuana & Cancun, Mexico

🌐 Website: hope4cancer.com

Overview:

• Established in 2000, set in serene, oceanside locations.

• Provides a tranquil healing environment with a comprehensive range of non-toxic cancer treatments.

• Treatments include: Immunotherapy, Photodynamic Therapy, Oxygen Therapy, Light Therapy, Sound Therapy, Hyperthermia, IV Therapies, etc.

  
  

Oasis of Hope Hospital

📍 Location: Tijuana, Mexico

🌐 Website: oasisofhope.com

Overview:

• Founded in 1963 by Dr. Ernesto Contreras.

• Offers alternative cancer treatments in a patient-centered environment, integrating alternative and conventional therapies.

• Treatments include: Laetrile (Amygdalin, Vitamin C Infusions, Immunotherapies, Hyperthermia, Oxygen Therapy, Nutritional Support, etc.

  
  

Gerson Institute

📍 Locations: Tijuana, Mexico & Budapest, Hungary. San Diego, CA (global hub for info and patient support)

🌐 Website: gerson.org

Overview:

• Founded on the principles of Dr. Max Gerson (1920s).

• Focuses on natural healing through:

  • Organic, plant-based diet

  • Raw juices

  • Coffee enemas

  • Natural supplements

• Aims to detoxify the body and boost the immune system.

The Cherng Family Center for Integrative Oncology at City of Hope

📍 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA

🌐 Website: cityofhope.org

Overview:

• Part of City of Hope National Medical Center.

• Collaborates with clinical teams to offer integrative care options that complement conventional cancer treatments.

  
  

Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, MD – Center for New Medicine & Cancer Center for Healing

📍 Location: Irvine, California, USA

🌐 Website: connealymd.com

Overview:

• Practicing since 1986, founded the Center for New Medicine (1992) and the Cancer Center for Healing.

• Integrates conventional medicine with complementary therapies.

• Treatments include: Low-Dose Chemotherapy, Insulin Potentiation Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Intravenous Vitamin C, etc.

Dr. Keith Block, MD – Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment

📍 Location: Skokie, Illinois, USA

🌐 Website: blockmd.com

Overview:

• Founded in 1980 by Dr. Keith Block, often called the "father of integrative oncology."

• Combines conventional cancer treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies such as:

  • Chronomodulated Chemotherapy

  • Nutritional Interventions

  • Lifestyle Counseling

    
    

 That’s a Wrap

Alternative cancer treatments are gaining traction for good reason, they work!

This list is meant to provide some brief information about popular alternative and complementary cancer treatments. If you see something on this list that looks promising, do some additional research to determine if it's right for you.

Have you tried alternative therapies? Give us all the details in the comments below.