American cancer society philadelphia

American Cancer Society's Guide to Complementary and Alternative Cancer Methods

Maggie Rinehart Ayres, PT, PhD Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA

American Cancer Society's Guide to Complementary and Alternative Cancer Methods. American Cancer Society (ACS); 2000. Available in bookstores or from the ACS through www.cancer.org.

This 438-page book published by the American Cancer Society is a very useful book for anyone who has an interest in Complementary and Alternative Cancer Methods. It is a great resource for clinicians and easy reading for those who do not have a health care background.

The book is organized into 3 sections. The first section provides an overview of what is included in the book. The first chapter provides a "how to" use the book. The second chapter describes the use of the terms "complimentary" and "alternative" and how the research is done to determine effectiveness of interventions. There is a wonderful description of research and clinical trials that are easy to follow and understand. The third chapter reviews drug development and regulations related to food and supplements. At the present time there are few regulations; however, there are some suggested guidelines for consumers. The fourth chapter provides guidelines for consumers to follow when considering the use of complementary and alternative methods. The most important suggestion is continual communication with physicians.

The second section is divided into 5 chapters that describe the 5 categories of methods as determined by the ACS. The 5 chapters are: Mind, Body, and Spirit Methods; Manual Healing and Physical Touch Methods; Herb, Vitamin, and Mineral Methods; Diet and Nutrition Methods; and Pharmacological and Biological Treatment Methods. Each of the chapters is organized in the same manner. The method is listed with a general description, comments on the suggested use and how it is typically used, the history, any known scientific evidence to support its use and possible problems or complications.

The third section is the Resource Guide that provides guidelines for use of information gathered from the Internet along with a list of organizations to contact for information. A Glossary and an operational Statement on Complementary and Alternative Methods of Cancer Management from the ACS is included.

Although the book is geared toward those who have questions related to cancer, it is a good reference for anyone with questions about the subject of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. Since patients are more educated consumers and have more questions about this subject, this is a book that every health care professional should have in his/her library or department.