A New Strategy for the War on Cancer - 5
Continuing the preview of my book, A New Strategy for the War on Cancer. Many modalities of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) cancer treatments have been scientifically tested and proven effective in clinical trials. These modalities are being prescribed and practiced by a few dedicated oncologists. The relatively new terms, “integrative medicine” and “integrative health care,” refer to the application of tested and proven products and practices most of which were formerly considered to be in the CAM or complementary medicine category. Such products and practices are finding success as complements to conventional cancer therapies. Therefore, oncologists who study and practice evidence-based options as complements to their conventional therapies are recognized as integrative oncologists. Their practice is integrative oncology, and it should be the rule rather than the exception.
Principal areas of integrative oncology cancer treatments include psychology, nutrition, vitamin and mineral supplements, spirituality, physical touch, herbs, unconventional instruments, Eastern medicine, acupuncture, massage, and electromagnetism. Countless testimonies as to the healing nature of various approaches to cancer from these categories are on record. A significant number of those testifying have been cancer-free for many years after being diagnosed in the conventional medical arena as having no hope for recovery. However, few of these treatments have ever been given a fair trial in the courts of scientific research. Those that have been proven effective in clinical trials are often withheld from patients by practitioners that remain skeptical. This is due either to the conventional medical community’s rejection of their premise or lack of support to promote their widespread use. Those complementary treatments that have been legitimately tested through scientifically acceptable processes are being administered today by integrative oncologists, but only as bit-part players on the stage of conventional medicine stars.