Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Integrative Oncology pp 33–46Cite as

Communicating with Patients about the Use of Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Cancer Care

  • Chapter

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Oncology ((CCO))

Abstract

Communication is crucial to establishing trust with patients, gathering information, addressing patient emotions, and assisting patients in decisions about care. The quality of communication in cancer care has been shown to affect patient satisfaction, decision making, patient distress, and even malpractice litigation. Communication is now recognized as a core clinical skill in medicine and in cancer care. In using a patient-centered approach, and open communication can be a base to address complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) in cancer treatment. An approach that involves honest and informed discussion on the use of CIM can empower the patient and can benefit both the patient and physician and is described in this chapter. This approach requires collaboration of patients, physicians, and CIM practitioners as essential element in building effective communication. In this way, physicians can fulfill the roles of caring, comforting, and healing, even when cure is not possible.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Engel GL. The need for a new medical model: a challenge for biomedicine. Science Apr 8 1977;196(4286):129–136.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Stewart M, Brown JB, Donner A, et al. The impact of patient-centered care on outcomes. J Fam Pract Sep 2000;49(9):796–804.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Epstein RM. Mindful practice. JAMA Sep 1 1999;282(9):833–839.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Prolo P, Chiappelli F, Fiorucci A, Dovio A, Sartori ML, Angeli A. Psychoneuroimmunology: new avenues of research for the twenty-first century. Ann N Y Acad Sci Jun 2002;966:400–408.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Sagy S, Antonovsky H. The development of the sense of coherence: a retrospective study of early life experiences in the family. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2000;51(2):155–166.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Rabow MW, Dibble SL, Pantilat SZ, McPhee SJ. The comprehensive care team: a controlled trial of outpatient palliative medicine consultation. Arch Intern Med Jan 12 2004;164(1): 83–91.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Richardson MA, Sanders T, Palmer JL, Greisinger A, Singletary SE. Complementary/alternative medicine use in a comprehensive cancer center and the implications for oncology. J Clin Oncol Jul 2000;18(13):2505–2514.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Ernst E, Cassileth BR. The prevalence of complementary/alternative medicine in cancer: a systematic review. Cancer Aug 15 1998;83(4):777–782.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Crocetti E, Crotti N, Feltrin A, Ponton P, Geddes M, Buiatti E. The use of complementary therapies by breast cancer patients attending conventional treatment. Eur J Cancer Feb 1998;34(3):324–328.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Miller M, Boyer MJ, Butow PN, Gattellari M, Dunn SM, Childs A. The use of unproven methods of treatment by cancer patients. Frequency, expectations and cost. Support Care Cancer Jul 1998;6(4):337–347.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Rees RW, Feigel I, Vickers A, Zollman C, McGurk R, Smith C. Prevalence of complementary therapy use by women with breast cancer. A population-based survey. Eur J Cancer Jul 2000;36(11):1359–1364.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Sollner W, Maislinger S, DeVries A, Steixner E, Rumpold G, Lukas P. Use of complementary and alternative medicine by cancer patients is not associated with perceived distress or poor compliance with standard treatment but with active coping behavior: a survey. Cancer Aug 15 2000;89(4):873–880.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Paltiel O, Avitzour M, Peretz T, et al. Determinants of the use of complementary therapies by patients with cancer. J Clin Oncol May 1 2001;19(9):2439–2448.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Edgar L, Remmer J, Rosberger Z, Fournier MA. Resource use in women completing treatment for breast cancer. Psychooncology Sep–Oct 2000;9(5):428–438.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Alferi SM, Antoni MH, Ironson G, Kilbourn KM, Carver CS. Factors predicting the use of complementary therapies in a multi-ethnic sample of early-stage breast cancer patients. J Am Med Womens Assoc Summer 2001;56(3):120–123, 126.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Wyatt GK, Friedman LL, Given CW, Given BA, Beckrow KC. Complementary therapy use among older cancer patients. Cancer Pract May–Jun 1999;7(3):136–144.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Morant R, Jungi WF, Koehli C, Senn HJ. [Why do cancer patients use alternative medicine?]. Schweiz Med Wochenschr Jul 9 1991;121(27–28):1029–1034.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Kappauf H, Leykauf-Ammon D, Bruntsch U, et al. Use of and attitudes held towards unconventional medicine by patients in a department of internal medicine/oncology and haematology. Support Care Cancer Jul 2000;8(4):314–322.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Oneschuk D, Fennell L, Hanson J, Bruera E. The use of complementary medications by cancer patients attending an outpatient pain and symptom clinic. J Palliat Care Winter 1998;14(4):21–26.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Tasaki K, Maskarinec G, Shumay DM, Tatsumura Y, Kakai H. Communication between physicians and cancer patients about complementary and alternative medicine: exploring patients’ perspectives. Psychooncology May–Jun 2002;11(3):212–220.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Fernandez CV, Stutzer CA, MacWilliam L, Fryer C. Alternative and complementary therapy use in pediatric oncology patients in British Columbia: prevalence and reasons for use and nonuse. J Clin Oncol Apr 1998;16(4):1279–1286.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Von Gruenigen VE, White LJ, Kirven MS, Showalter AL, Hopkins MP, Jenison EL. A comparison of complementary and alternative medicine use by gynecology and gynecologic oncology patients. Int J Gynecol Cancer May–Jun 2001;11(3):205–209.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Kao GD, Devine P. Use of complementary health practices by prostate carcinoma patients undergoing radiation therapy. Cancer Feb 1 2000;88(3):615–619.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Baile WF, Aaron J. Patient-physician communication in oncology: past, present, and future. Curr Opin Oncol Jul 2005;17(4):331–335.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Ben-Arye E, Bar-Sela G, Frenkel M, Kuten A, Hermoni D. Is a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach relevant to cancer treatment? A study of patients and oncology staff members on issues of complementary medicine and spirituality. Support Care Cancer Feb 2006;14(2): 147–152.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Richardson MA, Masse LC, Nanny K, Sanders C. Discrepant views of oncologists and cancer patients on complementary/alternative medicine. Support Care Cancer Nov 2004;12(11): 797–804.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Walker L. Non-verbal communication. BMJ, Rapid responses [July 6, 1998; http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/eletters/316/7149/1922#323].

    Google Scholar 

  28. Simpson M, Buckman R, Stewart M, et al. Doctor-patient communication: the Toronto consensus statement. BMJ Nov 30 1991;303(6814):1385–1387.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Stewart MA. Effective physician-patient communication and health outcomes: a review. CMAJ May 1 1995;152(9):1423–1433.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Ramirez AJ, Graham J, Richards MA, et al. Burnout and psychiatric disorder among cancer clinicians. Br J Cancer Jun 1995;71(6):1263–1269.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Ramirez AJ, Graham J, Richards MA, Cull A, Gregory WM. Mental health of hospital consultants: the effects of stress and satisfaction at work. Lancet Mar 16 1996;347(9003):724–728.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Farber NJ, Novack DH, O’Brien MK. Love, boundaries, and the patient-physician relationship. Arch Intern Med Nov 10 1997;157(20):2291–2294.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Buckman R. Communications and emotions. BMJ Sep 28 2002;325(7366):672.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Tattersall MH, Gattellari M, Voigt K, Butow PN. When the treatment goal is not cure: are patients informed adequately? Support Care Cancer. May 2002;10(4):314–321.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Jenkins V, Fallowfield L, Saul J. Information needs of patients with cancer: results from a large study in UK cancer centres. Br J Cancer Jan 5 2001;84(1):48–51.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Boon H, Stewart M, Kennard MA, et al. Use of complementary/alternative medicine by breast cancer survivors in Ontario: prevalence and perceptions. J Clin Oncol Jul 2000;18(13): 2515–2521.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Eliason BC, Huebner J, Marchand L. What physicians can learn from consumers of dietary supplements. J Fam Pract Jun 1999;48(6):459–463.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Stevensen C. Assessing needs of people with cancer. Contemp Nurse Mar 1996;5(1):36–39.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Coss RA, McGrath P, Caggiano V. Alternative care. Patient choices for adjunct therapies within a cancer center. Cancer Pract May–Jun 1998;6(3):176–181.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Eliason BC, Myszkowski J, Marbella A, Rasmann DN. Use of dietary supplements by patients in a family practice clinic. J Am Board Fam Pract Jul–Aug 1996;9(4):249–253.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Gotay CC, Dumitriu D. Health food store recommendations for breast cancer patients. Arch Fam Med Aug 2000;9(8):692–699.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Weiger WA, Smith M, Boon H, Richardson MA, Kaptchuk TJ, Eisenberg DM. Advising patients who seek complementary and alternative medical therapies for cancer. Ann Intern Med Dec 3 2002;137(11):889–903.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Newell S, Sanson-Fisher RW. Australian oncologists’ self-reported knowledge and attitudes about non-traditional therapies used by cancer patients. Med J Aust Feb 7 2000;172(3): 110–113.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Bourgeault IL. Physicians’ attitudes toward patients’ use of alternative cancer therapies. CMAJ Dec 15 1996;155(12):1679–1685.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Burstein HJ. Discussing complementary therapies with cancer patients: what should we be talking about? J Clin Oncol Jul 2000;18(13):2501–2504.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Ben-Arye E, Frenkel M. An approach to teaching physicians about complementary medicine in the treatment of cancer. Integr Cancer Ther Sep 2004;3(3):208–213.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Roberts CS, Baker F, Hann D, et al. Patient-physician communication regarding use of complementary therapies during cancer treatment. J Psychosoc Oncol 2005;23(4):35–60.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Roberts C, Benjamin H, Chen L, et al. Assessing communication between oncology professionals and their patients. J Cancer Educ Summer 2005;20(2):113–118.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Munstedt K, Entezami A, Wartenberg A, Kullmer U. The attitudes of physicians and oncologists towards unconventional cancer therapies (UCT). Eur J Cancer Oct 2000;36(16): 2090–2095.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Eisenberg DM, Davis RB, Ettner SL, et al. Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, 1990-1997: results of a follow-up national survey. JAMA Nov 11 1998;280(18): 1569–1575.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Meijerman I, Beijnen JH, Schellens JH. Herb-drug interactions in oncology: focus on mechanisms of induction. Oncologist Jul–Aug 2006;11(7):742–752.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Gupta D, Lis CG, Birdsall TC, Grutsch JF. The use of dietary supplements in a community hospital comprehensive cancer center: implications for conventional cancer care. Support Care Cancer Nov 2005;13(11):912–919.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Frenkel M, Ben-Arye E, Geva H, Klein A. Educating CAM Practitioners about Integrative Medicine: An Approach to Overcoming the Communication gap with Conventional Healthcare Practitioneres, J Altern Compliment Med. 2007 Apr, 13(3):387–391.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Weeks J, Quinn S, O’Bryon, Haramati A. National Education Dialogue to Advance Integrated Health Care: Creating Common Ground: Progress Report Integrated Healthcare Policy Consortium; 2004.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Hollenberg D. Uncharted ground: patterns of professional interaction among complementary/alternative and biomedical practitioners in integrative health care settings. Soc Sci Med Feb 2006;62(3):731–744.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Shuval JT, Mizrachi N, Smetannikov E. Entering the well-guarded fortress: alternative practitioners in hospital settings. Soc Sci Med Nov 2002;55(10):1745–1755.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Frenkel M, Ben-Arye E, Baldwin CD, Sierpina V. Approach to communicating with patients about the use of nutritional supplements in cancer care. South Med J Mar 2005;98(3):289–294.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Sierpina V. Ethics Forum: Complementary Medicine and Cancer Care. Am Med News, Oct 4, 2004.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Ben-Arye E, Frenkel M, Margalit RS. Approaching complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with cancer: questions and challenges. J Ambul Care Manage Jan–Mar 2004;27(1):53–62.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Caspi O, Bell IR, Rychener D, Gaudet TW, Weil AT. The Tower of Babel: communication and medicine: an essay on medical education and complementary-alternative medicine. Arch Intern Med Nov 27 2000;160(21):3193–3195.

    Google Scholar 

  61. University of Texas Medical Branch CAM website. http://cam.utmb.edu/default.asp. Accessed August 12, 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  62. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center CAM website. http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/CIMER/. Accessed October 12, 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com/. Accessed August 12, 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  64. ConsumerLab.com, LLC. http://www.consumerlab.com/index.asp. Accessed August 12, 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  65. New model guidelines for the use of complementary and alternative therapies in medical practice. Altern Ther Health Med Jul–Aug 2002;8(4):44–47.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Integrative Medicine Program, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit # 145, Houston, TX 77030, USA

    Moshe Frenkel (Medical Director)

Authors
  1. Moshe Frenkel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Eran Ben-Arye
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Director, Integrative Medicine Program Departments of Behavioral Science and Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030–4009, USA

    Lorenzo Cohen PhD

  2. Vice President for Clinical Research Professor of Medicine Chairman, Department of Gynecologic Medical Oncology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030–4009, USA

    Maurie Markman MD

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2008 Humana Press

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Frenkel, M., Ben-Arye, E. (2008). Communicating with Patients about the Use of Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Cancer Care. In: Cohen, L., Markman, M. (eds) Integrative Oncology. Current Clinical Oncology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-183-3_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-183-3_4

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-869-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-183-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation