Is Cancer a Chronic Disease?

Introduction: A New Perspective on Cancer Management

At Patients Medical in NYC, we believe cancer is more than a diagnosis—it’s a signal that something in the body has gone deeply out of balance. With many people surviving cancer for years or decades, the question arises: Is cancer a chronic disease?

The answer is yes—and more. While cancer may begin as an acute crisis, for many, it becomes a long-term condition requiring ongoing management, support, and care. Our integrative and functional approach addresses not just the tumor, but the terrain that allowed it to grow.

What Does It Mean for Cancer to Be a Chronic Disease?

A chronic disease is one that is persistent, progressive, and often managed long-term rather than cured. Much like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, cancer can:

  • Require ongoing treatment and monitoring
  • Have periods of remission and recurrence
  • Be influenced by lifestyle, environment, and immune function
  • Involve inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and genetic susceptibility

Viewing cancer through this lens allows us to focus not only on shrinking tumors, but also on creating a biological environment that’s inhospitable to cancer cell growth.

The Functional Medicine View: Why Did This Happen?

Our goal is to identify and treat the root causes that may have contributed to cancer’s development or recurrence. These include:

Holistic Testing We Use for Cancer Support

At Patients Medical, we combine conventional oncology labs with functional diagnostics to uncover imbalances driving cancer progression or recurrence.

Functional Cancer Support Testing:
  • Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha)
  • Immune panels (NK cell activity, lymphocyte subsets)
  • Nutritional and micronutrient testing
  • Heavy metal and toxin panels
  • Mitochondrial and oxidative stress profiles
  • Hormone levels (especially estrogen metabolism in breast cancer)
  • Stool microbiome and gut permeability tests
  • Genetic polymorphisms (MTHFR, detox SNPs)
  • Circulating tumor cells (CTC) monitoring if applicable

Diagnostic Testing We Use

We go beyond standard lab tests to get a full picture of your body’s systems. Advanced testing may include:

Nutrient and micronutrient panels

Inflammation markers (CRP, ESR, homocysteine)

Stool analysis for gut microbiome and leaky gut

Food sensitivity and allergy testing

Heavy metal toxicity screening

Hormone panels (cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, thyroid)

Mitochondrial function testing

Lyme disease and chronic infection panels

Integrative Treatments for Chronic Disease

Nutrition for Cancer Prevention & Healing

Personalized anti-cancer diets are central to our approach:

  • Anti-inflammatory, plant-rich meals
  • Intermittent fasting or fasting-mimicking protocols
  • Low glycemic and ketogenic-style options (when appropriate)
  • Detox-supportive foods and herbal teas
  • Nutritional support to rebuild after chemo or radiation

IV Nutrient Therapy

We offer advanced IV protocols tailored to the patient’s cancer type and stage, including:

  • High-dose vitamin C
  • Glutathione
  • B-complex and magnesium
  • Alpha-lipoic acid
  • Curcumin
  • Mistletoe therapy (when appropriate and legal)

Targeted Supplement Protocols

Physician-supervised supplements may include:

  • Medicinal mushrooms (Reishi, Turkey Tail)
  • Artemisinin
  • Green tea extract (EGCG)
  • DIM and sulforaphane (especially for estrogen-related cancers)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • CoQ10 and PQQ (mitochondrial support)

Mind-Body Healing & Emotional Detox

We integrate:

  • Guided meditation and breathwork
  • Emotional trauma release therapies
  • Acupuncture
  • Spiritual counseling
  • Sleep optimization

Stress and suppressed emotions have been shown to impair immune function and worsen prognosis.

Detoxification Support

Our patients often undergo:

  • Infrared sauna therapy
  • Liver and lymphatic drainage support
  • Heavy metal chelation (oral or IV)

Gut repair with binders, prebiotics, and probiotics

Hormone & Insulin Balancing

We monitor and optimize:

  • Insulin and glucose levels
  • Estrogen and estrogen metabolites
  • Cortisol rhythms
  • Thyroid and adrenal function

Balanced hormones reduce recurrence risk in hormonally driven cancers like breast, prostate, and ovarian.

Real Case Study: John’s Journey Through Remission

John, age 62, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had completed radiation therapy. Concerned about recurrence, he sought integrative care.

We uncovered:

  • Low glutathione and vitamin D
  • Elevated inflammation markers
  • Heavy metal exposure from past work in manufacturing
  • Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut
  • Elevated insulin

John followed a 6-month personalized protocol involving:

  • IV glutathione and curcumin
  • Anti-inflammatory, low-carb diet
  • Detox protocol for mercury
  • Probiotic and gut repair supplements
  • Guided stress-reduction sessions

Today, John remains in remission with improved energy, digestion, and emotional well-being.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 Yes. While cancer may be treated in the short term, many patients require long-term management to prevent recurrence and maintain quality of life.

 No. We work in conjunction with your oncologist to support your body’s resilience during and after treatment.

They can help reduce recurrence risk by addressing inflammation, detoxification, and immune function.

 Yes—with medical supervision. Many therapies are designed to reduce side effects and support recovery.

 No. Most protocols are time-limited and reassessed regularly based on labs and symptom improvement.

 Crucial. A healthy gut strengthens immunity, detoxifies toxins, and helps metabolize hormones

 Yes, when appropriate, we offer mistletoe therapy to stimulate immune function.

 Absolutely. Chronic stress suppresses the immune system and promotes inflammation.

 Yes. We offer both functional and genomic testing, including BRCA, MTHFR, and detox pathways.

We are an out-of-network provider but offer superbills for potential reimbursement. Lab work may be partially covered.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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