Complementary therapies for cancer patients Journal Article


Authors: Cassileth, B. R.; Gubili, J.; Yeung, K. S.
Article Title: Complementary therapies for cancer patients
Abstract: Complementary therapies are increasingly sought by cancer patients to control treatment-related symptoms. Unproven methods that do not actually treat cancer are often promoted falsely as cancer cures. These are termed “alternative therapies.” Typically expensive and potentially harmful, they can interact with chemotherapy drugs and other medication. Complementary therapies such as music, massage, acupuncture and meditation are noninvasive, gentle techniques applied to control physical and emotional symptoms commonly experienced by cancer patients. These therapies are used as adjuncts to mainstream cancer treatment. Patients and physicians should be aware of the distinction between questionable methods that are not helpful, and complementary therapies that successfully reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life. Easy access to information and misinformation about these therapies via the Internet and print media compounds this problem. © 2007 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
Keywords: complementary therapies; acupuncture; alternative therapies; symptom control; cancer
Journal Title: Annals of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Volume: 3
ISSN: 1793-0138
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co.  
Date Published: 2007-01-01
Start Page: 163
End Page: 177
Language: English
DOI: 10.1142/9789812709301_0008
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Chapter 8 in "Alternative Treatment For Cancer" (ISBN: 978-981-270-929-5) -- Export Date: 2 November 2021 -- Source: Scopus
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
MSK Authors
  1. Barrie R Cassileth
    198 Cassileth
  2. Kwokwai Yeung
    36 Yeung
  3. Jyothirmai Gubili
    22 Gubili