THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN CANCER CARE Essential Information for Patients, Survivors and Health Professionals

With recent clinical advances, millions of people survive many years after a cancer diagnosis. And while their physicians deliver conventional, evidence-based therapies to treat the cancer, sometimes the cancer patient and his or her symptoms are not treated with equal skill.

To manage their physical and emotional symptoms and promote health and well-being, most cancer patients and survivors use complementary therapies: Naturopathy, Ayurveda, herbalism, homeopathy, hypnosis, yoga, acupuncture, music therapy, macrobiotics, chelation therapy, colonics, hydrotherapy and many, many more. But … are they safe? Are they effective? What problems do they address? What are the risks? When can they help?

This unique and comprehensive book guides the way through the often confusing maze of complementary and alternative therapies promoted to cancer patients and survivors. The functions, benefits, backgrounds and risks are clearly presented. Learning when, if and how to use them provides medical professionals, cancer patients and survivors with the information they need to better control the symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment. Unfortunately, using some of these therapies without this expert guidance can lead to medical complications, or worse.

The Complete Guide to Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care is an invaluable resource in making educated health care decisions for managing life during and after cancer. Through the wise and informed use of these approaches, cancer patients — whether just-diagnosed, during treatment or throughout Survivership are better able to manage the physical and emotional stresses that accompany cancer, leading to symptom control and improved quality of life.


Contents:
Ancient Routes to Health and Spiritual Fulfillment:
Acupuncture
Ayurveda
Chinese Medicine, Traditional (TCM)
Homeopathy
Native American Healing
Naturopathic Medicine
Dietary and Herbal Remedies:
Regulatory Issues: Who's Minding the Store?
Dietary Supplements
Fasting and Juice Therapies
Flower Remedies
Herbal Medicine
Macrobiotics
Vegetarianism
Mind-Body Therapies:
Biofeedback
Hypnosis and Self-Hypnosis
Imagery and Visualization
Meditation
Placebo Effect
Qigong
Tai Chi
Yoga
Gaining Strength Through Bodywork:
Acupressure
Alexander Technique and Pilates
Hydrotherapy
Massage Therapy
Physical Fitness
Reflexology
Rolfing
Enhancing Well-Being Through the Senses:
Aromatherapy
Art Therapy
Dance Therapy
Humor Therapy
Light Therapy
Music Therapy
Sound Therapy
“Alternative” (Unproven or Disproved) Treatments Taken Internally:
Apitherapy
Biological Cancer Treatments
Biological Dentistry
Cell Therapy
Chelation Therapy
Colon/Detoxification Therapies
Craniosacral Therapy
Enzyme Therapy
Metabolic Therapies
Neural Therapy
Oxygen Therapies
Shark and Bovine Cartilage Therapies
“Alternative” External Energy Therapies:
Chiropractic
Crystal Healing
Electromagnetic Therapies
Faith Healing
Kirlian Photography
Prayer and Spirituality
Shamanism
Therapeutic Touch

Readership: Cancer patients, their family members, and the professionals who provide cancer care.

“Barrie Cassileth runs the most distinguished service and research team in the world, for complementary medicine … This book takes no prisoners and courageously investigates the good, the bad and the downright ugly of interventions practiced under the name of complementary therapy. Dr Cassileth comes across as a humane and passionate advocate for the needs of her patients.”
Michael Baum
Professor Emeritus of Surgery and Visiting Professor of Medical Humanities
University College London, UK

“Dr. Cassileth pioneered the evidence-based approach to CAM. In this comprehensive and focused book, she eloquently describes clinical practice, credibility and effectiveness, directing the reader to professional sources. As we enter the new global culture of self-directed health care, this is an essential part of both the home and institutional library.”
Stephen M Sagar
BSc (Hons), MBBS, MRCP, FRCR, FRCPC, DABR, Professor of Radiation Therapy
McMaster University, Canada

“This book represents a comprehensive record of Dr. Cassileth's years of experience organizing and practicing integrated care for cancer patients. Now that medical carers all over the world are thoroughly aware of the limitations of single target therapies, and while they increasingly turn to holistic care to give greater satisfaction to their patients in a multiple target approach, the book will serve as an excellent reference for both patients and service providers. ”
P-C Leung
Director, Institute of Chinese Medicine
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Reviews of Previous Edition

“Cassileth offers a balanced approach, providing information on certain treatments that appear to be safe and of possible benefit, as well as caveats against the indiscriminate use of others.”


New England Journal of Medicine

“This authoritative guidebook will be worthwhile reading for anyone planning to venture outside mainstream medicine.”

Publishers Weekly

“With the proliferation of hurriedly assembled books that survey the landscape of alternative medicine, Barrie Cassileth's The Alternative Medicine Handbook stands apart … For those who are unfamiliar with the terrain, the volume indeed serves well as a handbook.”

Oncology Times

“The indispensable guide will help patients and their doctors to become partners in a thoughtful exploration of alternative and complementary treatments. Barrie Cassileth's experience and outstanding scientific reputation make this balanced, well-written book especially unique and valuable. I am recommending it to my patients.”
Steven Locke
MD, Chief of Behavioral Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA

“There is a plethora of books on complementary/alternative medicine; most of them are mere promotional texts of little value. Barrie Cassileth's book is a rare exception. It gives a comprehensive overview with much needed critical input. Without a doubt, this is one of the best books on the subject: written by an expert intimately familiar with the subject, in language that is clear and simple yet to the point and correct.”
Edzard Ernst
MD, PhD, FRCP, Director
Department of Complementary Medicine, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Exeter, UK