Complementary, alternative and integrative cancer therapies were presented at the 2009 Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Cancer Therapies Conference (sponsored by the Annie Appleseed Project). This was the 2nd annual CAM conference by the Appleseed project under the direction of Ann Fonfa. I had the opportunity to attend this conference a second year as a survivor, an advocate, and a caregiver of cancer patients. This conference empowers all to seek the truth and be encouraged to boldly find resources that speak to the individual. Many topics and theories were presented for discussion around merits of CAM modalities for prevention and treatment of cancer. Also there was discussion about the USA government limits and bias for research to confirm validity of CAM, an example being the current approved FDA pending clinical trails of the use the Burzynski Clinic’s antineoplastons for all Gliomas. The Blocks were not able to attend the first CAM conference in 2008 but were the first speakers to commence the day at the 2009 conference. Keith Block MD, an Integrative Oncologist delineated “ A New Model for Cancer” as is offered at the Block clinic in Evanston, IL. Since 1980, Dr. Block has offered a framework of therapy that intervenes at cancer diagnosis with an approach that incorporates lifestyle (nutrition, fitness, etc.) with individual biology and treatment options. Penny Block, PhD, emphasized the holistic approach to health, healing, and treatment with her talk on “ The Importance of Mind and Spirit in Cancer Treatment”. Ralph Moss PhD, author of The Moss Reports gave a very informative talk about - CAM Cancer Therapies Around the World. The main areas where CAM exists are Germany, Mexico, USA and China. Germany has 40 CAM “clinics’ that exist for the treatment of cancer. Most are located in West Germany and Bavaria; Dr Moss went to Germany twice in 2008 to visit clinics. In Germany the two main therapies for cancer are the use of hyperthermia and mistletoe extract. Hyperthermia is the use of 106 degree Fahrenheit heat to kill cancer cells without harm to normal cells. It can be used as a local option, Radio frequency ablation or RFA, and as a regional option. The potential of this treatment to increase the effectiveness of other conjunctive treatment, especially radiation has also been shown. The USA’s National Cancer Institute has agreed that hypertermia may shrink tumors. One researcher in Texas, Joan Bull is currently working on research on hyperthermia. Mistletoe use is banned in the USA. Mistletoe is used as an injectable called Iscador or Helixor extract. Dr Moss feels that European and German studies with valid data have not been supported by NCI. China’s CAM is emerging and has multiple modalities including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Toad venom, virus therapy and the use of Sonodynmic therapy using ultrasound and oral agents. Mexico since the late 1970’s continues to be the easiest access for Americans for CAM not available in the USA. For this year dietary nutritionals pomegranate and curcumin were discussed as hot topics for CAM use. And from last year the use of Avemar and Immpower in supportive cancer care and Iodine therapy in breast cancer were revisited. My personal favorites at the 2nd CAM conference were the offering of yoga every morning, the personal stories of CAM use by survivors Charlotte Louise and Carol Zaryicki (our yoga coach) and the Interactive panel where clinical consultant Gwen Stritter MD from SF, Tina Kaczor an oncology Naturopathic doctor and Susan Luck RN gave their perspectives on CAM use, patient options and answered many audience questions. The CAM conference continues to be the only conference I’ve ever attended where the intention of offering healthy nutritious food is not just consciously promoted but happens. The meals are bountiful, organic, healthy and delicious. Thanks to Ann Fonfa, founder and president of The Annie Appleseed Project, her husband Steve and all the volunteers who made this conference possible. Carmelita Austin-Schreher Founding Director African-American Community Health Group Red Cross to honor 11 heroes By JONDI GUMZ Posted: 05/06/2009 Education Hero: Carmelita Austin-Scherer of Santa Cruz, a cancer survivor who founded the African American Community Health Group of the Central Coast to provide health information to an underserved population. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.