Complementary and
alternative medicine (CAM) use among
cancer patients varies according to geographical area, gender, and disease diagnosis. The prevalence of CAM use among
cancer patients in the United States has been estimated to be between 7% and 54%. Most
cancer patients use CAM with the hope of boosting the immune system, relieving
pain, and controlling side effects related to disease or treatment. Only a minority of patients include CAM in the treatment plan with curative intent. This review article focuses on practices belonging to the CAM domains of
mind-body medicine, CAM botanicals, manipulative practices, and energy medicine, because they are widely used as complementary approaches to palliative
cancer care and
cancer symptom management. In the area of
cancer symptom management,
auricular acupuncture,
therapeutic touch, and
hypnosis may help to manage
cancer pain.
Music therapy,
massage, and
hypnosis may have an effect on anxiety, and both acupuncture and
massage may have a therapeutic role in
cancer fatigue. Acupuncture and selected botanicals may reduce
chemotherapy-induced
nausea and
emesis, and
hypnosis and
guided imagery may be beneficial in anticipatory
nausea and
vomiting.
Transcendental meditation and the mindfulness-based stress reduction can play a role in the management of depressed mood and anxiety. Black cohosh and
phytoestrogen-rich foods may reduce vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women. Most CAM approaches to the treatment of
cancer are safe when used by a CAM practitioner experienced in the treatment of
cancer patients. The potential for many commonly used botanical to interact with
prescription drugs continues to be a concern. Botanicals should be used with caution by
cancer patients and only under the guidance of an oncologist knowledgeable in their use.