stack of stamped envelopes.

Mailbag! Is “Oxygen Therapy” Worth It?

I was reading about hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cancer and wondering, does it really work?

–Barb from Sandy, UT

****

Barb,

The answer to your question is, it depends.

Hyperbaric oxygen is a therapy where people are placed inside a sealed tank and then the pressure and oxygen inside the tank is increased. The idea behind this therapy is to increase the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and throughout the body.

Using oxygen to fight cancer is thought to help solid cancers such as breast, pancreatic, brain, and liver cancers.

There are two reasons why higher oxygen is thought to be harmful to solid cancer cells.

The first is that some cancer cells thrive in low-oxygen environments, but there are plenty that don’t. In fact, many cancers are known to increase blood vessels through angiogenesis to deliver more oxygen and nutrients, helping the cancer survive.

The second reason hyperbaric oxygen could help treat cancer is that many cancers “band together” when they’re deprived of oxygen, making them resistant to standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. But if you flood cancer cells with oxygen, then they become weaker, allowing treatment to hopefully work better.

A 2012 study in the journal Targeted Oncology reviewed many studies on hyperbaric oxygen, and the researchers concluded that hyperbaric oxygen did work for a select group of cancers:

  • breast cancer,
  • brain,
  • and colon cancer.

Unfortunately, hyperbaric oxygen treatments were not effective for cervical and bladder cancers.

It’s always best to work with your cancer doctor before you try any new therapy.

P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!

 

SOURCES:

Chen, SY., Tsuneyama, K., Yen, MH. et al. Hyperbaric oxygen suppressed tumor progression through the improvement of tumor hypoxia and induction of tumor apoptosis in A549-cell-transferred lung cancer. Sci Rep 11, 12033 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91454-2

Moen, I., & Stuhr, L. E. (2012). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cancer–a review. Targeted oncology, 7(4), 233–242. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11523-012-0233-x

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First

Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s   more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...

Read This

Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”

Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...

Read This

The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track

Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...

Read This

Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain

Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...

Read This

Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries

“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...

Read This

Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds

In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...

Read This

Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk

With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...

Read This

Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health

If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...

Read This

Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin

If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...

Read This

Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT

“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...

Read This