COSA Position Statement - The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Cancer Patients — ASN Events

COSA Position Statement - The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Cancer Patients (#210)

Lesley Braun 1 , Paul Katris 2
  1. National Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. WA Clinical Oncology Group, West Perth, WA, Australia

The high prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by cancer patients receiving conventional treatment poses many communication challenges for cancer related health professionals and has led to the call for guidance from professional bodies. In response to this, COSA has developed a position statement on the use of CAM by cancer patients. Developed by the Complementary and Integrative Therapies Interest Group of the Society, the working group consulted with health professionals, researchers, consumers and members of the COSA Council during development and review of the statement. The purpose of the document is to outline the position of COSA on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by cancer patients and to provide guidance for health professionals involved with the treatment of cancer patients who are using or wish to use CAM. This presentation will detail the background and proceedings of the working party and the development of the final position statement.