Enhancing Cancer Care: Complementary Theraphy and Support

Description

• Provides detailed descriptions of 16 different therapeutic modalities
• Includes case histories which illustrate how therapies have been used in practice
• Written in an accessible non-technical writing style
• Provides sound evidence-based material from an international group of experts
• Assists healthcare professionals and managers with planning the integration of complementary therapies with orthodox treatments

Around one in three people in the western world will develop cancer at some stage in life and complementary therapies are increasingly being used alongside orthodox treatments as part of the 'integrative' approach to cancer care. Enhancing Cancer Care is a practical, evidence-based guide to complementary cancer therapies, also described as natural or holistic therapies. More and more patients are turning to these therapies as there is now considerable evidence that they can help with symptom-control and quality-of-life, and that some may also extend survival. Complementary therapies can also provide the patient with a greater sense of control regarding the management of their illness. From the editor of Integrated Cancer Care , this new title provides detailed commentary on a broad range of complementary therapies and features practical advice on how to implement therapies to enhance current practice.

The first part of the book deals with the general principles behind complementary therapies and the factors driving their growing popularity, the challenges of evaluating their benefits and unwanted effects, and experience of using them in oncology units, hospices, the private sector and primary care. The second part includes chapters on specific interventions, including complementary therapies such as acupuncture and aromatherapy massage; lifestyle modifications through diet and exercise; creative therapies using art and music; and psychological and spiritual support for individuals and groups. These chapters provide descriptions of the therapies, a summary of the evidence for their benefits in cancer care, and illustrative case histories.

The emphasis throughout this book is on enhancing practice; that is, using the therapies alongside conventional medicine, rather than as alternatives to it.

Reviews

• 'As more and more patients use or ask about complementary therapies, there is a need for doctors and other health care professionals in oncology and palliative care to be informed or at least have access to a resource like this.' - Roger Woodruff,
• '...this book provides a clear and honest account of the role of complementary therapies, although this field of medicine is still in its scientific infancy. This book would be a worthy addition to both oncology and palliative care libraries.' - Roger Woodruff,

Readership: This book will appeal to healthcare professionals working in oncology and palliative care. It will also be of interest to complementary practitioners, primary care staff and health service managers.

Contents

1 Principles and settings

1. Introducing the holistic approach to cancer care , Jennifer Barraclough
2. Evaluating complementary therapies , Janet Richardson and Karen Pilkington
3. The oncology setting , Teresa E Young
4. The hospice setting , Nigel A Hartley
5. The work of an independent cancer help centre , Sara R Miller and Ruth Sewell
6. Childhood cancer , Elena J Ladas and Kara M Kelly
7. Choice and co-ordination of therapies: the family doctor as guide , Catherine Zollman

2 ABC of therapies

8. Acupuncture , Beverley de Valois
9. Aromatherapy , Jacqui Stringer
10. Art therapy , Paola Luzzatto and Bonnie Gabriel
11. Bach Flower Remedies , Jennifer Barraclough
12. Counselling: distress, transitions and relationships , James Brennan
13. Exercise , Margaret L McNeely and Kerry S Courneya
14. Group support , Barbara Lubrano di Ciccone, Tiffany D Floyd and David W Kissane
15. Healing , Diane O'Connell
16. Herbal medicine , Doreen Oneschuk, Jawaid Younus and Heather Boon
17. Homeopathy , Elizabeth A Thompson
18. Massage , Jacqui Stringer and Peter A Mackereth
19. Music therapy , Joanne V Loewy
20. Nutrition , Elizabeth Butler
21. Reflexology , Peter A Mackereth and Clive S O'Hara
22. Relaxation, visualisation and hypnotherapy , Leslie G Walker, Donald M Sharp, Andrew A Walker and Mary B Walker
23. The spiritual dimension , Alastair J Cunningham and Claire VI Edmonds

Authors, editors, and contributors

Edited by Jennifer Barraclough, Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, Auckland, New Zealand; former Consultant in Psychological Medicine, Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust, United Kingdom