Open AccessTaking laetrile: Conversion to medical deviance
Author(s) -
Vissing Yvonne M.,
Petersen James C.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
ca: a cancer journal for clinicians
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 62.937
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1542-4863
pISSN - 0007-9235
DOI - 10.3322/canjclin.31.6.365
Subject(s) - associate editor , citation , sociology , deviance (statistics) , library science , media studies , computer science , machine learning
For members of the CCS, laetrile use occurs in a self-help social context where users derive substantial social and emotional support from fellow members. We are convinced that much of the appeal of laetrile results from this social context in which it is frequently used. The CCS and the extensive network of similar organizations are fulfilling unmet needs in cancer patients and those fearful of cancer. Until conventional cancer therapy deals more successfully with the social and psychological needs of cancer patients, promoters of laetrile will till fertile ground.