Fw: Breast Cancer & Alternative Medicine

[Guest guest]

From: Ilena Rose <ilena@...>

Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2001 2:23 PM

Subject: Breast Cancer & Alternative Medicine

> http://www.healthmall.com/newsletter.cfm?type=article & id=1318 & a=

>

> Breast Cancer & Alternative Medicine

>

>

> In a five-year study, only one-third of women with breast cancer who tried

> alternative medicine in addition to their traditional treatment told their

> regular doctors about it. The three main reasons cited were a belief that

> their doctors: 1) weren't interested; 2) would respond negatively, and 3)

> had inadequate training in or a bias against alternative medicine.

>

> The most common alternative therapies used were Chinese medicine, prayer

> and/or meditation, and nutritional supplements. Lead investigator

> Adler, PhD said, " Understanding why women are hesitant to talk to doctors

> about their alternative forms of medicine is critical to improving

> communication and patient care. " Some alternative therapies are

> beneficial, some can be harmful, and others may interact with

> pharmacologic therapies in significant ways. " It's important for everyone

> involved to share information openly. "

>

> Source: 11th International Congress on Women's Health Issues, San

Francisco

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>