HBOT as Part of Comprehensive Cancer Support Services
The National Cancer Institute estimates that two million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. A cancer diagnosis is something no one wants to think about, yet thousands are affected by this disease every day. Medical advancements have introduced a myriad of treatment options, making cancer recovery possible for many. HBOT is one of these emerging treatments, offering real, tangible benefits for cancer patients. At Baromedical Associates in Dallas, TX, we work with patients from all over the world seeking cancer support services. Discover how HBOT could help you on the road to cancer recovery.
The Advantages of HBOT in Cancer Support
HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which increases oxygen levels in the blood and enhances the body’s natural healing process. This leads to the following advantages for cancer patients:
- Slower Tumor Growth—Oxygen-rich environments may inhibit tumor growth, slowing the progression of the disease and allowing more time for treatments to take effect.
- Enhanced Healing and Recovery—Cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation take a toll on the body. HBOT accelerates the healing process by increasing oxygen supply to damaged tissues. This not only speeds up recovery but also reduces the risk of complications and infections.
- Improved Quality of Life—One of the most significant benefits of HBOT is the improvement in the quality of life for cancer patients. Enhanced oxygen levels can alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and improve overall well-being. Patients often report feeling more energetic and less fatigued after sessions.
HBOT Is Helpful for a Variety of Cancers
More and more research is being done on HBOT as an adjunctive therapy for cancer patients, and the results are encouraging. Researchers have discovered promising outcomes for patients with the following cancers undergoing HBOT:
Lung Cancer
A 2021 article looked at tumor cells in lung cancer patients with the premise that tumor cells progress faster under low-oxygen conditions. Their results showed that HBOT accelerated the formation of new tissues, improved tumor hypoxia, and yielded overall positive results for patients1.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a cancer affecting infants and young children. Frontiers in Oncology published a 2023 review of current studies on this cancer and HBOT sessions. The findings were hopeful—HBOT increased the efficiency of other treatments and improved immune responses2.
Breast Cancer
Although breast cancer has not been directly studied alongside HBOT as a treatment, there have been several animal studies on the subject. These revealed that HBOT may significantly inhibit tumor growth and prevent new cancerous cells from forming3.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer and HBOT have more concrete studies showing their connection. Clinical trials show that HBOT is most effective in colorectal cancer patients when used in conjunction with other, more conventional treatments3.
Practical Tips for Patients
If your medical team has recommended HBOT as a treatment method, you likely have questions about how this therapy works. Fortunately, Baromedical Associates is here to guide you through the process and make sure you feel comfortable throughout your session. Baromedical Associates will provide comfortable 100% cotton clothes to wear during your treatment. Eat a light meal 30-60 minutes prior to treatment and refrain from wearing any perfumes, or lotions on the day of treatment.
During the Session
At the beginning of your session, you’ll enter a pressurized chamber and lie down. The only thing you’ll feel during treatment is for 7 minutes at the beginning and 7 minutes at the end you’ll feel the need to ‘pop” your ears to equalize the change in pressure, much like you feel when landing in an airplane. The remainder of the treatment you just breathe normally and relax. It’s very comfortable and you can sleep or watch TV, and you don’t need to lay still. Our FDA approved hyperbaric chambers are the largest clear acrylic chambers made to alleviate any confinement anxiety.
After the Session
After HBOT, the chamber will depressurize, and you can exit. Drink plenty of water and rest if needed. It’s also a good idea to keep a journal of your symptoms and improvements to share with your healthcare team. Regular monitoring and follow-ups are essential to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Talk to Baromedical Associates Today
The research on hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cancer has brought hope to cancer patients around the world. While Baromedical Associates is based in the Dallas Metro Area, we’re glad to consult with people abroad as well. We’ve made a name for ourselves as the leading experts in HBOT, and our team is happy to share our expertise with you. Contact us today to learn more about this treatment.
2 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a complementary treatment in neuroblastoma