As I continue to highlight the continuing integration of Western medicine with TCM, it is important that I discuss the Western medical tests that are being increasingly analyzed by TCM practitioners. One field that lends itself to such analysis is Cancer. Again, treating the TCM patterns associated with a Western diagnosis of cancer is not the point in writing this particular blog.

What I want to reveal is how many TCM practitioners are becoming more proficient in understanding the tests that are used by Western practitioners in diagnosing cancer. One such test is the benign bone scan. Bone scans are routinely used by Western clinicians to look for metastases with patients with cancer. TCM practitioners are becoming more proficient in assessing bone scans, themselves, or discussing the results of bone scans, with their Western colleagues, to develop and treat the cancer patient.

How is the TCM practitioner becoming more proficient in this area? Many, like me, are getting their doctorates in a TCM program that heavily emphasizes what a bone scan test is used for and how it can aid the TCM physician in his practice. There are tests that are specific to certain cancers.

For example, prostate cancer is becoming one of the fastest growing affecting men. If a TCM clinician is proficient in interpreting a PSA exam or discussing the results of a prostate biopsy, with a western physician, he can then only be better prepared to treat his patient. Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers affecting women. Again, if a TCM practitioner is proficient in discussing the results of a mammogram with the patient’s PCP or pathologist, his treatment will be that much more effective.

What I want you to appreciate is the fact that TCM practitioners are becoming more proficient in utilizing western tests for cancer to help them treat their patient. This is not only good for the patient but, also, in the continuing integration of TCM with Western medicine.