| Cancer patients are interested in complementary and alternative medicine therapies, modalities which are not traditionally part of Western medical care. This interest is particularly prevalent among Chinese American patients, due to a tradition of using herbs and acupuncture for health reasons. Alternative therapies, usually promoted as treatment for cancer in place of conventional medical treatment, are risky. Patients may miss the opportunity for cure due to delay of effective conventional cancer treatment. On the other hand, complementary therapies are used along with conventional treatment as cancer supportive care. They include acupuncture, mind-body techniques, massage therapy, music therapy and nutritional approaches. They all have a favorable risk / benefit ratio. Botanicals or dietary supplements are popular but often problematic due to interaction with other medications. Incorporating complementary therapies into mainstream care leads to Integrative Medicine which promotes patient self care and empowerment
Dr. Deng is Associate Attending at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY |
Conference Program 2008
Scientific Meeting 2008
