Arquivos de Oncologia Cirúrgica

Bridging the Gap between Cancer Patients and Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Abstract

Gerald Shah

The landscape of cancer treatment has significantly evolved, with increasing numbers of patients incorporating Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) into their healing journeys. Despite the widespread use of CAM among cancer patients, frank and informative discussions regarding these therapies between patients and healthcare providers are often lacking. This article delves into the often-unspoken realm of CAM in cancer care, where doctors' concerns about the lack of empirical evidence intersect with patients' strong desire for information and choices. We explore how the dearth of knowledge surrounding CAM can impede this crucial dialogue, ultimately impacting patient-centered care. Furthermore, we discuss the potential advantages of enhancing communication and understanding between healthcare providers and patients in the CAM domain, ultimately fostering better-informed, empowered, and supported cancer treatment decisions.