Excellent New CAM resource
Posted 2/6/2013
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First, CAM=Complementary (and) Alternative Medicine. This broadly includes acupuncture, massage, Reiki, energy work, herbs, supplements, high doses of vitamins and everything else that might be added to (or used instead of) traditional western medicine. Especially in cancer care, there is both concern about some of these modalities and appreciation for others. Most women at least consider trying something in addition to the prescribed chemotherapy. In my experience, the "something" is most often acupuncture, and many women feel that it reduces their anxiety, raises their energy, and helps with nausea and an overall sense of well-being. Our doctors worry about anything that you ingest that might, perhaps, interfere with the efficacy of radiation or chemotherapy. Please talk with your doctor before adding anything and be prepared for the suggestion that you wait until treatment is done before adding herbs or supplements. "External" treatments are rarely considered a problem, and most doctors will support their addition.
This is information about an excellent new guide from the National Cancer Institute.
The National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) is pleased to announce a new educational resource for your patients.
Talking about Complementary and Alternative Medicine with Health Care
Providers: A Workbook and Tips (
http://cam.cancer.gov/talking_about_cam.html?cid=EBcam_po ) is a workbook created to help patients and their providers have meaningful discussions about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use both during and after cancer treatment.
This workbook includes an overview of CAM, and worksheets for patients interested in trying CAM for the first time. Topics include:
· Why I want to use CAM
· Tips for talking to your provider
· Monthly CAM use record
· Medicine list
· Examples of CAM therapies
· Resources for CAM-related information
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