Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to medical products and practices that are outside the realm of standard medical care. Individuals with cancer often turn to CAM to help manage the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, and fatigue. CAM can also provide comfort, alleviate treatment-related stress, give individuals a sense of personal involvement in their care, and sometimes even be pursued as a means of treating or curing cancer.

Integrative medicine is an approach that combines conventional medical care with CAM practices that have been scientifically proven to be safe and effective. This approach emphasizes the patient’s preferences and aims to address the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of health.

Conventional medicine, practiced by medical professionals holding M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees, involves treating symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Other healthcare practitioners, including nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and therapists, also practice conventional medicine. It is known by various names such as allopathic medicine, biomedicine, Western medicine, mainstream medicine, or orthodox medicine. Some conventional medical practitioners also incorporate CAM into their practice.

Standard medical care refers to treatments accepted by medical experts as appropriate for specific diseases and widely used by healthcare professionals. It is also referred to as best practice, standard of care, or standard therapy.

Complementary medicine is used alongside standard medical treatment but is not considered a standalone standard treatment. For instance, acupuncture may be used to alleviate certain side effects of cancer treatment. However, limited research has been conducted on most types of complementary medicine.

Alternative medicine, on the other hand, is used instead of standard medical treatment. For example, a special diet may be adopted to treat cancer in place of prescribed cancer drugs. Like complementary medicine, there is limited research on most types of alternative medicine.

Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine:

CAM therapies continue to be studied, but our understanding is evolving. The following categories provide an overview of different CAM practices. It’s important to note that this list serves as an introduction and is not an endorsement. Before considering any CAM therapy, individuals with cancer should consult their healthcare provider.

1. Mind-body therapies: These therapies combine mental focus, breathing exercises, and body movements to promote relaxation. Examples include meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, yoga, tai chi, imagery, and creative outlets like art, music, or dance.
2. Biologically based practices: This category includes the use of natural substances. Examples include vitamins, dietary supplements, botanicals, herbs and spices like turmeric or cinnamon, and special foods or diets.
3. Manipulative and body-based practices: These therapies involve working with specific parts of the body. Examples include massage therapy, chiropractic therapy, and reflexology.
4. Energy healing: Energy healing is based on the belief that vital energy flows through the body and aims to balance it. Examples include reiki and therapeutic touch.
5. Whole medical systems: These are comprehensive systems of healing that have developed in different cultures and regions. Examples include Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathic medicine.

Regarding specific CAM therapies, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides evidence-based information on many CAM therapies through the Physician Data Query (PDQ) for both patients and healthcare professionals. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also offers comprehensive information on CAM and current research related to cancer and complementary health approaches.

Safety of CAM:

While some CAM therapies have undergone rigorous evaluation and proven to be generally safe and effective, others may not work or could potentially interact negatively with medications. It’s essential to recognize that natural does not necessarily mean safe.

CAM therapies, including herbal supplements and nutritional products, such as vitamins, are not required to be FDA-approved or prescribed by a healthcare professional before being sold. It is important to inform your doctor about any dietary supplements you are taking, as they can have unintended interactions with prescribed medications.

Additionally, discussions with your doctor regarding diet are important. While certain foods or diets may be of interest during cancer treatment, there is no single food or special diet that has been proven to control cancer. Maintaining a well-rounded approach and consuming a variety of healthy foods is crucial. The NCI booklet, “Eating Hints,” provides advice on nutrition during and after cancer treatment.

Consulting Your Doctor:

If considering CAM, it is crucial for cancer patients to have a discussion with their doctor or nurse. This step is essential as seemingly safe CAM therapies could potentially be harmful or interfere with ongoing cancer treatment. It is also important to verify the effectiveness of the therapy you are considering. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and express your concerns to receive the best possible care. Doctors appreciate knowing about patients’ preferences and can provide guidance on incorporating CAM methods.

Clinical Trials and Government Resources:

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) currently sponsor clinical trials to test CAM treatments and therapies in people with cancer. Some trials focus on complementary approaches used alongside conventional treatments, while others compare alternative therapies with conventional treatments. A list of all cancer CAM clinical trials can be found on their respective websites.

Government agencies, including the NCI and NCCIH, provide information on CAM therapies and practitioners to patients, families, and healthcare providers, helping them make informed decisions about CAM usage.