Common misunderstandings about complementary therapies for patients with cancer

Kassab, Sosie; Stevensen, Caroline

doi:10.1016/s1353-6117(96)80097-7

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Many textbooks to date have warned against using reflexology and aromatherapy with people with cancer other than those in an advanced stage of disease, mainly for fear of stimulating spread of disease or of overtaxing vulnerable organs, particularly during treatment. These issues have been clarified by several authors (Horrigan, 1991;Kassab & Stevensen, 1996) and guidelines for practice have been produced (Macnamara, 1994). Concerns regarding the use of essential oils on patients with cancer generally and those receiving chemotherapy have also been addressed (Price & Price, 1995;Tisserand, 1995).…”

Section: Safety Of Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

Complementary Therapy

1998

European Journal of Cancer Care

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Section: Safety Of Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

Complementary Therapy

1998

European Journal of Cancer Care

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“…[ 5 6 ] National Institute for Clinical Excellence describes complementary therapies (CTs) as those which are “used alongside orthodox treatments with the aim of providing psychological and emotional support through the relief of symptoms.”[ 7 ] For around two decades, CTs have been integrated with palliative care (PC) services as both intend for holistic patient care. [ 8 9 ] Nonetheless, these therapies are coupled with some anecdotal or hearsay misunderstandings and lack of scientific evidence. Thus, despite the fact that the patients show noteworthy interest in using these therapies, they may remain deprived of their benefits.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, despite the fact that the patients show noteworthy interest in using these therapies, they may remain deprived of their benefits. [ 7 9 ] In this article, we aim to provide an evidence based review of commonly used CTs available for symptomatic relief in cancer patients.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Complementary therapies for symptom management in cancer patients

Satija

Bhatnagar

2017

Indian J Palliat Care

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Cancer patients are often poly-symptomatic which distressingly affects their quality of lives (QOLs). Alhough, conventional management provides adequate symptom control, yet is coupled with some limitations. Complementary therapies (CTs) have shown beneficial effects in cancer patients for symptomatic relief. The aim of this article is to provide evidence-based review of commonly used CTs for symptom management in cancer care. Hypnosis has promising evidence to be used for managing symptoms such as pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, distress, fatigue, and hot flashes. Guided imagery increases comfort and can be used as a psycho-supportive therapy. Meditation substantially improves psychological function, mental health, and QOL. Cognitive behavioral therapies effectively reduce pain, distress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression; and improve subjective sleep outcomes along with mood and QOL. Yoga has short term beneficial effects for anxiety, depression, fatigue, perceived stress, QOL, and well-being. T'ai Chi and qigong are beneficial adjunctive therapies for supportive cancer care, but their role in reducing cancer pain is not well proven. Acupuncture is effective for reducing treatment related side-effects, pain and fatigue. Other therapies such as massage techniques, energy therapies, and spiritual interventions have also demonstrated positive role in managing cancer-related symptoms and improve overall well-being. However, the clinical effectiveness of these therapies for symptom management in cancer patients cannot be concluded due to poor strength of evidence. Nonetheless, these are relatively free from risks and hence can be given along with conventional treatments. Only by tailoring these therapies as per patient's beliefs and preferences, optimal patient-centered holistic care can be provided.

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“…Traditionally, complementary therapists' training has focused on working with individuals, who, though often suffering from stress, are unlikely to be living with life threatening conditions (Mackereth and O'Hara, 2002). Therapists have usually been taught to view cancer as a contraindication to receiving touch therapies (Kassab and Stevensen, 1996). This perspective has been challenged by therapists with experience in healthcare settings, where practices have been adapted to accommodate complex physical and psychological symptoms associated with cancer (Mackereth and Carter, 2006;MacDonald, 1999).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%