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A primer of complementary and alternative medicine commonly used by cancer patients
Author(s) -
Ernst Edzard
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2001.tb143161.x
Subject(s) - medicine , alternative medicine , homeopathy , aromatherapy , context (archaeology) , acupuncture , naturopathy , complementary therapy , nausea , cancer , anxiety , traditional medicine , meditation , intensive care medicine , psychiatry , paleontology , philosophy , theology , pathology , biology
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by cancer patients, and many oncologists have limited knowledge of CAM. This article provides a brief, evidence‐based introduction to several CAM treatments relevant in the context of cancer. “Alternative” diets, chiropractic, coffee enemas, ozone therapy, and shark cartilage seem to have little to offer cancer patients. The evidence for or against homoeopathy and spiritual healing is at present inconclusive. Acupuncture, aromatherapy, and meditation may be useful for nausea/vomiting, for mild relaxation, and for pain/anxiety, respectively. Herbal treatments offer no reasonable prospect of a cure (mistletoe), but could be useful as palliative treatments (eg, for depression [St John's wort] or anxiety [kava]). Our knowledge regarding the potential benefit and harm of CAM is insufficient.