Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown rapidly, fueled by Internet marketing, dissatisfaction with mainstream medicine, and the desire of patients to be actively involved in their own health care. CAM products in cancer medicine (herbs and other natural products, such as shark cartilage, mushrooms, and so on) are widely available in Japan as well as in western countries. With little reliable information and few clinical trials to assess the efficacy of such products, there is a great need for public and professional education regarding this subject.