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Complementary and alternative (CAM) dietary therapies for cancer
Author(s) -
Weitzman Sheila
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.21401
Subject(s) - medicine , cancer , breast cancer , prostate cancer , observational study , cancer treatment , alternative medicine , intensive care medicine , pathology
Complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies include a wide spectrum of dietary practices, some of which are claimed to cure cancer. Observational studies have shown consistently that predominantly plant‐based diets reduce the risk for some adult type cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. These studies form the basis of the American Cancer Society (ACS) nutritional guidelines. Many CAM diets prescribe a similar low fat, high fiber, high fruit and vegetable type diet, but also add detoxification and many different supplements to the basic diet which is then claimed to cure cancer. The potential advantages and disadvantages of CAM diets are discussed. Many aspects can be potentially harmful, particularly to the child with cancer. Advantages include involvement of the child and family in decision‐making and care. There is no evidence to support the claims that CAM dietary therapies cure cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:494–497. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.