Various surveys show that interest in complementary and
alternative medicine (CAM) is high among
cancer patients. Patients want to explore all options that may help their treatment. Many CAM modalities offer patients an active role in their self-care, and the resulting sense of empowerment is very appealing. On the other hand, many unscrupulous marketeers promote alternative
cancer "cures," targeting
cancer patients who are particularly vulnerable. Some
alternative therapies can hurt patients by delaying effective treatment or by causing adverse effects or detrimental interactions with other medications. It is not in the best interest of
cancer patients if they cannot get appropriate guidance on the use of CAM from the health care professionals who are part of their
cancer care team. The Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center in New York was established in 1999 to address patient interest in cam, to incorporate helpful
complementary therapies into each patient's overall treatment management, to guide patients in avoiding harmful
alternative therapies, and to develop prospective research to evaluate the efficacy of CAM modalities.