What is CAM for cancer?

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard medical care. People with cancer may use CAM to: Help cope with the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, and fatigue.

Who uses CAM therapies?

The majority of studies thus report that women are more likely than men to use CAM, and this has been found in national surveys in both the UK (1) and US (101). For example in one US study 39% of women and 31% of men had used CAM in the past year.

What complementary and alternative therapies are being used in the treatment of breast cancer?

The most commonly used CAM modalities include dietary supplements, mind-body approaches, and acupuncture. The reasons cited for using CAM were to boost the immune system, improve the quality of life, prevent recurrence of cancer, provide control over life, and treat breast cancer and the side effects of treatment.

Is chemotherapy a CAM treatment?

Patients receiving chemotherapy may be consuming CAM to treat cancer, to lessen chemo- therapy side effects, for symptom management, or to treat conditions unrelated to their cancer. A small proportion of cancer patients decide to use CAM alone to treat cancer and delay conventional treatment.

What are complementary cancer treatments?

There is scientific evidence that these complementary therapies can be helpful and people with cancer find them useful for improving their quality of life:

• Acupuncture.
• Yoga.
• Tai chi and qigong.
• Meditation.
• Music and art therapy.
• Massage.
• Physical activity.
• Nutrition.

What countries use complementary therapies?

In wealthier countries with higher health expenditures, like Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands, a greater number of CAM treatments are reimbursed, and integrated into the established health care system [14].

Are holistic therapies effective?

Looking for a cure It is understandable that they hope that alternative therapies might work. But, there is no scientific evidence to prove that any type of alternative therapy can help to control or cure cancer. Some alternative therapies might be unsafe and can cause harmful side effects.

What is an alternative therapy for breast cancer?

Options include acupuncture, detoxification diets, traditional Chinese medicine, and antioxidants, among other alternatives. These are known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Many people use CAM treatments to help ease side effects, relieve pain, and improve their quality of life.

Can complementary and alternative medicine treat cancer?

Complementary and alternative medicine are medicines and health practices that are not usually used by doctors to treat cancer. Complementary medicine is used in addition to standard treatments. Alternative medicine is used instead of standard treatments. Acupuncture. Herbs. Tai chi, yoga, and other mind-body therapies.

What is the truth about alternative medical treatments?

The Truth About Alternative Medical Treatments. Alternative therapy refers to non-standard treatment used in place of standard treatment, while complementary therapy usually means methods used along with standard treatment. Lifestyle medicine is a newer field that describes its approach as preventing and treating illness through healthy eating,…

What is the best alternative medicine for chronic disease?

Acupuncture. Herbs. Tai chi, yoga, and other mind-body therapies. Vitamins, herbs, and other nutritional therapies. Talk to your doctor before you start any kind of complementary or alternative medicine, even for managing side effects from standard treatment.