Complementary Oncology

People facing a new diagnosis of cancer are unsettled by their prognosis and treatment options, and they often seek to integrate complementary modalities into their conventional care plan, hoping to improve their chances of cure and decrease side effects. Many do so without informing their oncologist, for fear of alienating them or not convinced that their physician would be informed about complementary therapies. Integrative Oncology, the first volume in the Weil Integrative Medicine Library, provides a wealth of information for both practitioners and consumers on the emerging field of integrative oncology. Noted oncologist Donald Abrams and integrative medicine pioneer Andrew Weil and their international panel of experts present up-to-date and extensively referenced chapters on a wide spectrum of issues and challenges, bound in one comprehensive, reader-friendly text in a format featuring key points, sidebars, tables, and a two-color design for ease of use. It is destined to emerge as the definitive resource in this emerging field.

One of every four deaths occurring in the United States today is due to cancer, and the number of diagnoses continues to increase. Fortunately, however, cancer treatments are improving, which means more and more patients are surviving for longer periods. Complementary methods have played an important role in these treatments, showing benefits such as a higher quality of life, reduced instance and severity of the side effects of standard therapy, and a general improvement of the patient's immunological state. Indeed, these methods - from carefully monitored nutrition, exercise, and psychological support to enzyme substitution, phytotherapy, hyperthermia and microbiology therapy - are critical to a treatment's overall success. More than ever, doctors need accurate, up-to-date information about which methods have been proven in scientifically based clinical studies (EBM) to be acceptable for use in conjunction with standard treatment methods. In this unique book, experts ranging across medical disciplines present data on the efficacy of these methods as they are currently being used, the necessary scientific background, and practical advice for introducing them into practice. With illustrations, tables, and detailed descriptions, this book is an ideal reference and an invaluable tool for educating patients about this encouraging aspect of cancer therapy. Throughout, the contributors emphasize the latest scientifically and clinically tested treatments. A useful chart lays out in detail which treatments are applicable for various types of cancers and what effects they have been shown to cause. The word is out about the beneficial qualities of complementary therapies in the treatment of cancer. More physicians are offering it to their patients, and more and more patients are demanding it. You - and your patients - cannot afford to be without this valuable resource.

This book is the definitive guide for oncologists, general medical practitioners and other healthcare professionals with an interest in integrative oncology. Guiding you on how to conduct the “ultimate consultation” from an integrative medicine perspective, this text is a valuable educational tool, presenting the latest evidence-based approaches to managing the cancer patient, as well as anecdotes and practical recommendations from Dr. Sali’s decades of clinical experience as a leading expert in integrative oncology. Topics include the role of mind-body medicine in cancer, stress reduction, diet, sleep, sunshine and Vitamin D, exercise, vitamins and other supplements, supportive complementary medicines including Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, and innovative investigative and treatment technologies. Written by two clinicians who are also educators and researchers, A Clinician's Guide to Integrative Oncology provides practical, evidence-based information and patient advice that clinicians can put into practice immediately.

Integrative medicine strives to incorporate the best of complementary and conventional modalities. This book details integrative oncology, a nascent field building a rigorous evidenced-based clinical medicine, research, and educational foundation. It examines five prestigious, comprehensive cancer centers based in the US, covering how these centers started their programs, what they are currently doing, and recommendations for starting integrative medicine clinics. The book also discusses the potential harm of alternative and complementary medicine, legal issues, and how to communicate with patients.

One of every four deaths occurring in the United States today is due to cancer, and the number of diagnoses continues to increase. Fortunately, however, cancer treatments are improving, which means more and more patients are surviving for longer periods. Complementary methods have played an important role in these treatments, showing benefits such as a higher quality of life, reduced instance and severity of the side effects of standard therapy, and a general improvement of the patient's immunological state. Indeed, these methods - from carefully monitored nutrition, exercise, and psychological support to enzyme substitution, phytotherapy, hyperthermia and microbiology therapy - are critical to a treatment's overall success. More than ever, doctors need accurate, up-to-date information about which methods have been proven in scientifically based clinical studies (EBM) to be acceptable for use in conjunction with standard treatment methods. In this unique book, experts ranging across medical disciplines present data on the efficacy of these methods as they are currently being used, the necessary scientific background, and practical advice for introducing them into practice. With illustrations, tables, and detailed descriptions, this book is an ideal reference and an invaluable tool for educating patients about this encouraging aspect of cancer therapy. Throughout, the contributors emphasize the latest scientifically and clinically tested treatments. A useful chart lays out in detail which treatments are applicable for various types of cancers and what effects they have been shown to cause. The word is out about the beneficial qualities of complementary therapies in the treatment of cancer. More physicians are offering it to their patients, and more and more patients are demanding it. You - and your patients - cannot afford to be without this valuable resource.

Provide whole care to your cancer patients with: Up-to-date information on the uses of diet, nutrition, and herbs Elucidations of the use of mind-body therapies such as Guided Imagery, Expressive Therapies, and spirituality Legal and medical guidance for incorporating Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, and Ayurvedic Medicine in cancer care According to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (2004), up to 80% of cancer patients undergoing treatment by oncologists and radiation therapists also supplement their treatments with complementary and integrative medicines (CIM). Dr. Marc S. Micozzi has designed this text to provide a comprehensive resource for students and practitioners on the evidence for and applications of complementary, alternative, and integrative medical therapies. This is the first integrative oncology text for health professionals, and as such, it is essential reading for the incorporation of evidence-based practice into the care of patients with cancer and toward the prevention of cancer in the general population.

Integrative Oncology explores a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to cancer care that addresses all individuals involved in the process, and can include the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies alongside conventional modalities such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. The number of integrative care programs is increasing worldwide and this book forms a foundation text for all who want to learn more about this growing field. This guide provides a thoughtful and generous perspective on integrative care, an outstanding overview of the exciting clinical opportunities these techniques can offer, and a guide to the new territories that all oncologists and CAM practitioners need to explore and understand.

Integrative Oncology provides complementary interventions to conventional cancer care. This second edition of this highly successful text includes the most updated information available along with new chapters on Music and Expressive Arts Therapies, Naturopathic Oncology, and an integrative approach to Lung Cancer.

Integration of complementary and alternative medicine therapies (CAM) with conventional medicine is occurring in hospitals and physicians offices, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are covering CAM therapies, insurance coverage for CAM is increasing, and integrative medicine centers and clinics are being established, many with close ties to medical schools and teaching hospitals. In determining what care to provide, the goal should be comprehensive care that uses the best scientific evidence available regarding benefits and harm, encourages a focus on healing, recognizes the importance of compassion and caring, emphasizes the centrality of relationship-based care, encourages patients to share in decision making about therapeutic options, and promotes choices in care that can include complementary therapies where appropriate. Numerous approaches to delivering integrative medicine have evolved. Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States identifies an urgent need for health systems research that focuses on identifying the elements of these models, the outcomes of care delivered in these models, and whether these models are cost-effective when compared to conventional practice settings. It outlines areas of research in convention and CAM therapies, ways of integrating these therapies, development of curriculum that provides further education to health professionals, and an amendment of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act to improve quality, accurate labeling, research into use of supplements, incentives for privately funded research into their efficacy, and consumer protection against all potential hazards.

Integrative Oncology explores a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to cancer care that addresses all individuals involved in the process, and can include the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies alongside conventional modalities such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. The number of integrative care program