Regaining Control Over Cancer: A Health Communication Initiative Documenting Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Cancer Patients and Survivors

The document discussed the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by cancer patients and survivors to manage treatment side effects and improve quality of life. Despite the benefits, many patients did not disclose their CAM use to healthcare providers, risking adverse reactions with conventional treatments. To address this, the National Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) developed an interactive workbook to encourage patient-provider communication about CAM. The workbook, pretested with cancer survivors and healthcare providers, aimed to empower patients to discuss their CAM use, enhancing understanding and improving health outcomes. This initiative was significant due to the scarcity of resources promoting such communication.