Emotional Well-being for People with Cancer : A narrative review of charity sector resources and peer-reviewed articles for effects of complementary interventions

Mills, Emma and Millward, Helen (2019) Emotional Well-being for People with Cancer : A narrative review of charity sector resources and peer-reviewed articles for effects of complementary interventions. [Report] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Additional to the primary health concerns for an individual with cancer are secondary symptoms that can manifest as feelings of reduced emotional well-being, increased feelings of depression or anxiety. While chemotherapy and radiotherapy form the nexus of traditional treatment, many individuals use complementary or alternative therapies (CAM) to manage these secondary health issues. The following report contains two sections. The first section details the content of five UK cancer charity webpages with respect to complementary or alternative therapies. The second section describes the results of a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed articles studying the effects of CAM in patients with cancer since over the last fifteen years. Macmillan Cancer Support offers the following definition, which will be used throughout this report: Conventional medical treatments are used by doctors to treat people with cancer. They include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal and targeted therapies. These treatments are scientifically tested and researched. They can cure many cancers, help people to live longer or reduce their symptoms...complementary therapies are used alongside, or in addition to, conventional medical treatments. They do not claim to cure cancer. People use them to boost their physical or emotional health. Or to relieve symptoms or side effects. Some have been scientifically tested to check how effective and safe they are...alternative therapies are used instead of conventional medical treatments. They are not tested in the same way as conventional medical treatments. Some claim to treat or cure cancer. But no alternative therapies have been proven to cure cancer or slow its growth and some may be harmful.’ (www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/complementary- therapies/complementary-therapies-explained/complementary-alternative- therapies.html).