Integrative oncology: managing cancer pain with complementary and alternative therapies
Current Pain and Headache Reports, 06/04/2012
Running A et al. – Authors review evidence from the recent past on complementary and alternative therapies for pain with emphasis on more common modalities including acupuncture, bio–energy, massage, and music.
- For the projected 1,638,910 patients with a diagnosis of cancer this year, the great majority of them (75–90 %) will experience cancer–related pain.
- A growing number of these patients will turn to complementary and alternative therapies to assist with the management of their pain and other cancer–related symptoms.
- The World Health Organization’s suggested approach to pain management begins with the use of time honored opioids, but recommends the use of adjuvant therapies early in the management process.
- Complementary and alternative therapies are being used by more patients each year to assist with the management of their pain.
- Practitioners and researchers must be aware of the evidence that exists to support or refute the use of these therapies.
