An integrative model for Oncology
Nowadays, one can find Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Tuina massage, acupuncture, and even other therapies being prescribed by oncologists in hospitals. It is a paradigm shift from previous years when all forms of complementary medicine are considered quack medicine.
Complementary treatments such as massage, acupuncture, and hypnosis are being used along with radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery to ease side effects of cancer and improve quality of life. Scientific studies have shown that some of these treatments do benefit cancer patients.
This is the beginning of a new trend called Integrative Medicine which combines conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies. In Singapore, medical centres that provide some kinds of integrative medicine include Ang Mo Kio hospital, Tan Tock Seng hopital, Mount Elizabeth hospital, and Camden Medical Centre.
Understanding Complementary Medicine
Complementary medicine is defined as treatments that are generally not taught in medical schools. They extend from acupuncture, to biofeedback, to meditation.
Complementary medicine for cancer is used only as a complement -- not a replacement -- along with conventional treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery whereas alternative medicine is used by some patients in place of conventional cancer treatments. It is important to distinguish complementary medicine from alternative medicine because only conventional therapies have been shown to fight cancer.
People with cancer use complementary medicine for many reasons. They include preference for a more natural approach, relief of side effects, and to improve quality of life. What's great about the integrative approach is that it gives the patients a feeling of being in control in a disease that traditionally has a poor prognosis.
Does the Integrative Approach Really Work?
The answer depends on the type of treatment offered and for which specific clinical objectives. Many studies have shown that acupuncture eases chemotherapy nausea, while other studies suggest acupuncture and massage may reduce pain from cancer or its treatment.
The use of other complementary therapies that are yet unproven will depend on whether its potential benefits outweigh its risks. If it's risky, it isn't used. But if the risks are very, very low, doctors may be more open.
One has to be careful when using herbs and botanical supplements. In Singapore, herbal medications are widely popular due to the perception that they are traditional medicine passed down the generations rather than complementary medicine. However, few have been shown to be either safe or effective against cancer. On the contrary, some have been shown to be both ineffective and unsafe. Some common supplements -- like St. John's wort and high doses of vitamin C -- can interact with chemotherapy and radiation. In a nutshell, botanical and herbal supplements are also drugs and science still do not know a lot about their effects in cancer. Hopefully, future research will show benefits. But for now, caution must be exercised.
Will My Insurance Pay for Complementary Medicine?
Patients normally pay for complementary medicine treatments out of their own pockets as insurance companies usually don't cover complementary care. It is important to check as specifics vary with each insurer.
Hopefully, with more research affirming the benefits of these complementary medicine, more insurance companies will provide coverage for these therapies. This will lead to a reduction in hospitalization and drug costs.
Finding a Complementary Medicine Caregiver
In Singapore, there are a lot of people offering "complementary medicine." However, how do you determine whether are they reputable?
You can contact those who offer complementary services in hospitals or medical centres. You should also look for credentials. For example, look for a valid license from physicians who practice Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Massage therapists must be at least qualified in body massage from ITEC, CIBTAC and also hold specialisations for special population massage like cancer patients.
Ethical and trained complementary medicine practitioners will not make any claims to cure cancer or try to convince you to stop conventional therapy. If any practitioner does either, look for someone else.
It is important to let your doctor know that you are using complementary medicine along with your conventional cancer treatments. Some oncologists may oppose complementary treatments due to potential interactions with conventional cancer treatments, especially the use of herbs. If your doctor is open to complementary therapies, discuss with your doctor as he or she may know of people practicing complementary medicine.
As more scientific research show that complementary therapies do provide benefits to cancer patients, the acceptance to integrative medicine will increase in time to come.
