Complementary/Alternative Medicine

Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical health systems, practices and products not presently considered to be part of conventional (Western) medicine.

While some scientific evidence exists regarding the safety and efficacy of some CAM therapies, for many the key questions remain to be answered.

The list of CAM systems and practices constantly changes.  However, it is important to note the distinction between complementary and alternative approaches:

• Complementary
  Practices, products etc. used together with conventional medicine

• Alternative
  Practices, products etc. used in place of conventional medicine

Interested in learning more about CAM approaches?

The UCSD Moores Cancer Center website has a section devoted to CAM including a description of the various approaches and therapies.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is also an excellent place to find more information about CAM approaches and programs

Our affiliation with the San Diego Cancer Center (Encinitas) offers our patients access to a dedicated Integrative Medicine Program.  This program includes a variety of therapies including acupuncture, art therapy, QiGong therapy etc.

The San Diego Cancer Center Integrative Medicine program is described on their website: www.sdcancer.com/integrative-medicine.html