Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (CAM)
Complementary and alternative medicine, also called CAM, involves nontraditional approaches to medicine that help manage a patient’s care.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Complementary and alternative medicine, also called CAM, involves nontraditional approaches to medicine that help manage a patient’s care.
This field of medicine includes complementary medicine, integrative medicine and alternative medicine. Approximately one-third of all cancer patients participate in CAM or integrative medicine.
CAM may have similarities to holistic medicine, however there are some differences. Many patients have found CAM beneficial when it comes to managing side effects.
This field of medicine includes complementary medicine, integrative medicine and alternative medicine. Approximately one-third of all cancer patients participate in CAM or integrative medicine.
CAM may have similarities to holistic medicine, however there are some differences. Many patients have found CAM beneficial when it comes to managing side effects.
Is it safe?
Complementary and alternative medicine for colon cancer has not been proven to cure cancer. But, some approaches have been found to improve your quality of life.
If you are considering complementary or integrative approaches to help you feel better, talk to your doctor first, as some approaches may interfere with the benefits of chemotherapy or other treatments, and other approaches may be harmful to patients undergoing standard treatment for cancer.
Terms to Know
Is it safe?
Complementary and alternative medicine for colon cancer has not been proven to cure cancer. But, some approaches have been found to improve your quality of life.
If you are considering complementary or integrative approaches to help you feel better, talk to your doctor first, as some approaches may interfere with the benefits of chemotherapy or other treatments, and other approaches may be harmful to patients undergoing standard treatment for cancer.
Terms to Know
CAM Approaches
These methods can be safely used and may improve side effects. Remember: All people are different and respond to treatments differently. Before seeking these approaches, talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you!
CAM Approaches
These methods can be safely used and may improve side effects. Remember: All people are different and respond to treatments differently. Before seeking these approaches, talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you!
Approaches to Avoid
There are certain approaches to complementary and alternative medicine for colon cancer that have been shown to be ineffective and even dangerous for colon and rectal cancer patients.
Some of these methods include:
- Colonic hydrotherapy
- Chelation therapy
- Ionic foot baths
- Restrictive diets
- Some supplements (talk to your doctor)
- Expensive treatments with little to no benefit
Anything used IN PLACE OF a curative conventional treatment
Approaches to Avoid
There are certain approaches to complementary and alternative medicine for colon cancer that have been shown to be ineffective and even dangerous for colon and rectal cancer patients.
Some of these methods include:
- Colonic hydrotherapy
- Chelation therapy
- Ionic foot baths
- Restrictive diets
- Some supplements (talk to your doctor)
- Expensive treatments with little to no benefit
Anything used IN PLACE OF a curative conventional treatment
How to Find a CAM Practitioner
Start by asking your doctor, social worker, or member of your care team. Some hospitals have practitioners that work within their system, and some physicians may also implement CAM techniques in their practice.
You can also ask friends and family, or search online. There are professional organizations for CAM practitioners, but it is important to do your own research. Licensing for CAM professionals may vary wildly on a state-by-state basis, and there may be little to no oversight in regard to who gets to call themselves a “CAM practitioner.”
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides guidance for those interested in learning more about finding a CAM practitioner.
Before scheduling an appointment
Before scheduling an appointment, you want to ensure the practitioner:
How to Find a CAM Practitioner
Start by asking your doctor, social worker, or member of your care team. Some hospitals have practitioners that work within their system, and some physicians may also implement CAM techniques in their practice.
You can also ask friends and family, or search online. There are professional organizations for CAM practitioners, but it is important to do your own research. Licensing for CAM professionals may vary wildly on a state-by-state basis, and there may be little to no oversight in regard to who gets to call themselves a “CAM practitioner.”
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides guidance for those interested in learning more about finding a CAM practitioner.
Before scheduling an appointment
Before scheduling an appointment, you want to ensure the practitioner: