Enhancing Cancer Care: Complementary Therapy and Support

Around one in three peopel in the western world will develop cancer at some stage in life and complementary therapies are increasingly being used alongside orthodox treatments as part of the 'integrative' approach to cancer care. Enhancing Cancer Care is a practical, evidence-based guide to complemetnary cancer therapies, also described as natural or holistic therapies. More and more patients are turning to these therapies as there is now considerable evidence that they can help with symptom-control and quality-of-life, and that some may also extend survival. Complementary therepies can also provide the patient with a greater sense of control regarding the management of their illness.

The first part of the book deals with the general principles behind complementary therapies and the factors driving their growing popularity, the challenges of evaluating their benefits and unwanted effects, and experience of using them in oncology units, hospices, the private sector and primary care. The second part includes chapters on specific interventions, including complementary therapies such as acupuncture and aromatherapy massage; lifestyle modifications through diet and exercise; creative therapies using art and music; and psychological and spiritual support for individuals and groups.

These chapters provide descriptions of the therapies, a summary of the evidence for their benefits in cancer carem, and illustrative case histories.

The emphasis throughout this book is on enhancing practice; that is, using the therapies alongside conventional medicine, rather than as alternatives to it.