A study of the benefits of cancer patients engaging in complementary therapies

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to look at the benefits of cancer patients engaging in complementary therapies. Cancer affects a large number of people and their families every day. Different mortality rates and different treatment modalities exist for cancer patients based on the stage of their disease at the time of diagnosis and the kind of cancer that the patients are diagnosed with. Those patients and their families who are affected by cancer have many choices to make regarding treatment and self care. A literature review was conducted looking at the prevalence of cancer, common medical treatments that cancer patients endure, the psychological impacts of cancer, reasons for psychosocial interventions, and complementary therapies that cancer patients engage in. Cancer is often viewed as an acute and usually fatal disease. Cancer patients face many struggles relating to the diagnosis and treatment of their disease. Self-esteem is a major concern among cancer patients. In this study, literature and research was presented on various complementary therapies to determine the benefits that they provide for cancer patients in improving their quality of life and prolonging survival. Recommendations to various professionals in the health care field were made at the completion of the study.