Winter 2013, Vol. 7 Issue 2

OCCAM Develops New Patient Education Resource to Enhance Patient-Provider Communication About CAM Use

Clear communication among oncologists, primary care physicians, and cancer patients is important throughout the entire cancer journey, but particularly when patients are using or thinking about complementary and alternative therapies. Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) continues to gain popularity among cancer patients and survivors. CAM therapies provide a way for patients to manage their symptoms, regain a sense of control, improve their quality of life, and establish better pain management. Yet, as the prevalence of CAM use continues to grow, the communication gap between health care providers and patients widens, as nearly half of those who use CAM therapies fail to report their use to their providers. In recognition of the important role communication plays in the relationship between providers and their patients, the Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) has developed a new patient education resource: Talking About Complementary and Alternative Medicine With Your Health Care Provider: A Workbook and Tips. Read More…

NCI CAM News is produced by the Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM). The Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) was established in October 1998 to coordinate and support the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) activities related to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). OCCAM also serves as a focal point for NCI’s collaboration with other governmental and non-governmental organizations on cancer CAM issues.

For inquiries on CAM and cancer, call 1-800-4-CANCER or visit cam.cancer.gov.