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  • Dr. Livingood

Can Complementary and Alternative Medicine Assist Cancer Patients?

Approximately 50% of cancer patients use complementary and alternative therapies in addition to traditional therapy. Although these therapies have not been shown to cure cancer, they can be useful in alleviating certain symptoms and side effects. Numerous studies are being undertaken to see whether these medicines can aid cancer patients in coping with their condition. Nonetheless, patients should check with their healthcare practitioners prior to initiating any alternative therapy, as some of these treatments can conflict with traditional therapies, reducing their efficacy and raising adverse effects.


Numerous complementary and alternative therapies have the ability to improve an individual's immune system, which aids in illness prevention. They can also aid in stress reduction, which is advantageous for cancer patients. In addition, these medicines can aid in cancer control and even treatment. For example, acupuncture is an effective treatment for cancer-related lethargy. Similarly, aromatherapy is considered to improve cancer patients' quality of life.


Alternative and complementary therapies are used to treat a variety of illnesses. These procedures are frequently less expensive and more holistic than traditional treatments, and they can be used to treat serious conditions like cancer. For a variety of reasons, including health promotion, pain management, and even depression, a large number of people adopt these techniques in conjunction with conventional therapy.


Complementary and alternative therapies may assist in alleviating or even eradicating the symptoms of a variety of ailments. They may be a component of a healthy lifestyle and may be derived from diet. Nonetheless, if you wish to explore complementary or alternative therapies, you should be well-educated and make an informed choice. Additionally, you can evaluate the time and expense required. You may choose to visit a medical practitioner or a practitioner of complementary and alternative medicine for further information on the available therapies.


There are substantial variations between complementary and alternative medicine despite their widespread use today. Comparatively, complementary medicine emphasizes holistic therapy, whereas alternative medicine emphasizes alternative pharmaceuticals. Some complementary and alternative therapies are used to treat cancer, while others are employed to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Complementary and alternative therapies can improve a person's health and quality of life regardless of their mechanism of action.


Nevertheless, the restrictive standards frequently fail to distinguish between alternative therapies and traditional medicine. In addition, they vary from source to source and do not warrant the exclusion of a specific therapy. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that the phrase "alternative medicine" refers to a whole system of theory and practice that has been separately established from mainstream medicine. The alternative medical systems homeopathy, naturopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine are examples.


Congress established the Office of Alternative Medicine in 1999. (OAM). Its aim is to investigate complementary and alternative medicine and to provide policy recommendations to the federal government. Additionally, the government funds nine Centers for Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine. By rebranding the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the OAM now has research jurisdiction. It is essential for avoiding and curing sickness through the use of efficient remedies.


Complementary and alternative therapies are utilized frequently by nurses in their daily practice. As long as they have completed the necessary education and practical experience, licensed nurses may practice these therapies. In addition to adhering to the Nurse Practice Act, they should only provide therapies that fit within their scope of practice. Numerous of these treatments are unsafe and may induce unwanted side effects. In addition, there is an absence of evidence supporting the efficacy of these treatments.

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