Complementary therapies in medicine
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Complement Ther Med · Jun 2002
Comparative StudyComplementary cancer care in Southampton: a survey of staff and patients.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by one in ten of the UK population yearly and 47% during their lifetime. One-third of cancer patients seek some form of CAM treatment during their illness. ⋯ The use of CAM for cancer care in Southampton is widespread and consistent with its use nationally. There is a clearly expressed need for CAM treatments by patients and a willingness to pay. Two-thirds of the cancer care staff responding wished to receive training in and provide these therapies. There are some misconceptions among patients about the role of CAM in cancer care which need to be discussed and resolved. We believe that all cancer care units should have clear policies on the use of CAM for cancer patients.