Holistic Treatments for Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer that forms on the female genitals. Vulvar cancer usually takes many years to develop, according to the National Institute of Health, and forms from precancerous growths on the vagina called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, or VIN. Diet, exercise and certain herbs have been found to have profound effects on cancerous cells. By combining these into a protocol for treating vulval cancer, a holistic approach can be formed.

Diet Therapy

• Eat large quantities of fruits and vegetable that are high in compounds called antioxidants, as they have been shown to dramatically reduce the spread of cancerous cells. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry in February 2001 by Susanne Meiers and a team of researchers at the University of Regensburg in Germany, found that two antioxidants in particular; cyanidin and delphidin, were able to specifically inhibit human vulva cancer cells in vitro. Both these antioxidants are found in high concentration in cranberries and certain grapes. Other potent sources of these antioxidants include raspberries, cherries, pomegranates and blackberries. Adding significant amounts of foods high in these potent natural substances should be part of any holistic approach to treating vulval cancer.

Herbal Therapy

• Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, has used the root of Angelica sinensis to treat a variety of gynecological problems for hundreds of years. A study published in the journal Life Sciences in August 2004 showed that an extract of Angelica sinensis was able to slow the proliferation of several different types of cancer cells in vitro. You can purchase Angelica sinensis at any Chinese herb shop and most health food stores in supplement form. A practitioner of Chinese medicine can also custom make a formula for vulval cancer that should include this herb.

Excercise Therapy

• Exercising several times a week will not only keep you fit and in a better mood but may help in the overall fight against cancer and should be part of any holistic protocol for cancer. A study published in the journal Cancer Letters in February 1997 by Karen Duncan and other researchers at Northeastern Illinois University found that exercise increased the levels of a variety of antioxidants in the blood that are associated with preventing and inhibiting cancer. Running, swimming, hiking and yoga are all great activities to incorporate into your routine to fight vulval cancer.