Would you use complementary and alternative medicines (CAMS)? Well, research has shown that up to three quarters of patients with cancer may at least supplement their treatment with such therapies, spending as much on CAMS as conventional drugs. How do you decide? This book provides a full range of perspectives on CAMS from patients and CAMS practitioners to conventional doctors who oppose the use of these alternative treatments because of the lack of evidence of efficacy and safety. Then there are the CAMS researchers, educators and regulators who view CAMS from different perspectives. The broad array of opinions build a complete picture of the issues for discerning readers to be adequately informed to make up their minds and draw their own conclusions.

Ever wondered if your patient's new symptoms are a manifestation of metastatic disease, treatment effects or are altogether unrelated to the cancer diagnosis; whether herbal remedies interact with cancer treatment; when to refer for genetic testing; or how to provide informed advice regarding dietary and lifestyle modifications? This volume answers these and many other questions, spanning from cancer prevention to palliative care. Each chapter is comprehensively referenced, to allow the reader to explore related fields in more detail. The book is unique in summarizing a large amount of information that is beyond conventional oncology textbooks. While cancer is treated by multidisciplinary teams of medical oncologists, hematologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists, other specialists are called upon to treat symptoms, side effects or other diseases that can occur concurrently with cancer. In addition to the physical challenges brought about by a cancer diagnosis, patients and their relatives need sensitive and skilled psychosocial support throughout the cancer journey. The book brings together specialists from a wide range of medical, surgical, psychological and supportive specialties, while keeping the focus on the interdisciplinary management of cancer.