Cancer patients seek open communication about alternative medicine with docs A recent survey of cancer patients found that 66% reported using some type of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). The survey results were presented here at the 11th Annual Palliative Care Conference. Sixty patients undergoing palliative care for cancer that had spread beyond its original site participated in the survey. Palliative care is any procedure or medication intended to ease pain and otherwise improve quality of life, without the intent to cure a patient. Forty patients said they used acupuncture, spiritual healing, vitamins or some other form of non-mainstream medicine. Ten patients completed in-depth interviews. "What most patients expressed was a wish that conventional medicine could be more receptive to alternative therapies," said Daniel Hollenberg, a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto's Department of Public Health Sciences, who presented the preliminary findings. Patients felt that the use of complementary and alternative medicine contributed to their quality of life by reducing stress, increasing feelings of energy and relieving pain. Some said they experienced an improved appetite, weight gain and better bowel function. Many patients said using CAM gave them a feeling of empowerment, as opposed to "just sitting and waiting to die. " Overall, Hollenberg said, most patients felt that while conventional medicine did not cure their cancer, it had extended their lives at crucial moments. Some felt very satisfied with their conventional healthcare team, but only when that team was comfortable and respectful towards the use of CAM. Major complaints found in the survey included the perception that the healthcare team did not have time to discuss the use of alternative therapies that the team did not get to know them as "real persons," and did not inquire into how they were coping with their disease. "Many patients felt that the biomedical system treated their disease but ignored the person," Hollenberg reported. Alternately, CAM practitioners were described as taking more time with patients, being honest and fair, and viewing the patient as a "whole person." Hollenberg concluded that palliative care cancer patients turn to CAM therapies when conventional medicine can no longer help them, and that these patients perceived real benefits from the alternative therapies. Palliative care patients appeared to express the wish for more open, personal communication with their healthcare team, he said, that could include CAM practitioners. Thanks to Reuters Health and Healthcentral.com Another study shows "most' use CAM-J Clinical Oncology 6/00 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.