Download Complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies during cancer

Complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies during cancer
treatment – nutrition related supplements: A Patient Guide
Some people may try complementary or
alternative therapies to cure their cancer,
reduce treatment side effects, or help
them to cope.
If you are thinking about taking dietary or
herbal supplements, it’s important you
understand the pros and cons. Always
talk to your oncologist, pharmacist,
dietitian and medical team. As long as
there’s no harm, most clinicians don’t
mind patients trying other therapies and
know these can often help the mind and
soul.
What about interactions with my
medications or treatment?
Many complementary therapies seem
harmless
enough.
However
some
complementary therapies may interact
with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and
medications or worsen side effects. You
can check this yourself on reliable
websites. It’s always wise to check with
your doctor or pharmacist as well.
Websites
To check the latest research, some
reliable websites are listed below. If you
do not have access to the internet you
may like to ask your doctor or cancer care
team to go through these with you.
What does the research say?
There is limited research on these
therapies. You may hear about them from
other patients, friends and family, or
come across them in books, on the
Internet or on radio or TV. Research
results from lots of patients in journals are
much more reliable.
Ask yourself the following:
•
Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database www.naturaldatabase.com
•
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Center
•
•
•
•
has the supplement been tested in
research?
what is the quality of the research?
(randomised clinical trials are high
quality)
was the research conducted in
people with the same cancer and
treatment as you?
•
Up-To-Date
http://www.uptodate.com/patients/index.html
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm
Therapeutic Goods Administration
http://www.tga.gov.au/index.htm
What about nutrition?
The goal during treatment is to keep your
weight stable, even if you are overweight
to begin with. This gives your body the
best chance to cope during treatment.
This is a consensus document from Dietitian/ Nutritionists from the Nutrition Education Materials Online, "NEMO", team
Disclaimer: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/masters/copyright.asp
Reviewed: Oct 2014
Due for review: Oct 2016
Many patients need more energy
(kilojoules/calories) and protein during
cancer treatment. It may also be hard to
eat because of the side effects of your
cancer treatment. A dietitian can advise
you on the best types of food to eat.
Qualified Practitioners
You could also speak to
practitioner. It’s a good idea
relevant qualifications and
association
membership
there is a professional
example:
If you choose to use other nutrition
therapies or try different types of diets, it’s
best to check with your dietitian that you
are meeting all of your nutritional needs.
•
National Herbalists Association of
Australia
•
Australian Acupuncture and Chinese
Medicine Association
a qualified
to check for
professional
Sometimes
body. For
•
Where can I get further information?
Cancer Council resources:
•
The Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11
20 can give advice over the phone
and also post out suitable resources
•
Complementary
and
alternative
therapies: making an informed
decision
http://www.cancervic.org.au/downloads/CISS_
factsheets/Complementary-treatmentdecisions.pdf
•
Cancer Fact or Fiction? I Heard
www.iheard.com.au
Chinese Medicine Registration Board
of Victoria.
You can also ask if the therapist is
registered. If you are unsure, ask your
oncologist, pharmacist, dietitian and/or
medical team for advice. Also, be sure to
take details of your medical history,
treatment plan, medications and diet
advice to increase safety.
It
is
best
to
talk
with
your
oncologist, pharmacist, dietitian
and/or medical team about any
complementary
or
alternative
therapies you are currently taking
The following journal article outlines the
pros and cons of some key nutrition
related therapies:
Morey B and Brown T. A review of evidencebased practice in nutrition related complementary
therapies: improving the knowledge of dietitians.
Cancer
Forum.
2011;
35
(2)
via
www.cancerforum.org.au.
or are interested in starting.
Dietitian: __________________
Contact: __________________
This is a consensus document from Dietitian/ Nutritionists from the Nutrition Education Materials Online, "NEMO", team
Disclaimer: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/masters/copyright.asp
Reviewed: Oct 2014
Due for review: Oct 2016