For those who are affected by cancer, there is a wide range of support and complementary and alternative therapies to help you manage your condition. Read on to find out about some of these resources.
Information about complementary and alternative therapies
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the federal agency in charge of the cancer research. The NCI's nebulous and amorphous mission is to provide patients with the best available information on the most cutting-edge treatments for their condition. The NCCI's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) coordinates the efforts of the various units of the organization, and manages the National Cancer Information Center (NCIC), the world's largest database of information on cancer. Its a big job, but one the NCI seems to have taken on with the aplomb.
Aside from the many invasive and costly procedures and surgeries, there are several complementary and alternative medicine programs that can keep your cancer at bay. The best place to start is with the NCI's Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clinic, where a knowledgeable physician will be happy to discuss all of your options in detail. If you prefer a more individualized approach, you might want to try the University of Maryland's Center for Integrative Medicine or Harvard Medical School's Program for Integrative Medicine.
Aside from standard medical care, you might be interested in the following complementary and alternative medicine programs: acupuncture, massage, yoga, meditation, herbal remedies, and the likes. Some may be right for you, while others might turn out to be the boogey men. You might be surprised to learn that some programs are actually free, while others require a fee.
CAMEO Research Program
The Complementary and Alternative Medicine Education and Outcomes (CAMEO) research program was developed by the University of British Columbia (UBC) School of Nursing and the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA). It was created to bridge the gap between CAM and cancer treatment and help to develop new knowledge about CAM. The program was funded by the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation. CAMEO's website contains educational materials to assist patients and health care providers in making informed decisions about the use of CAM.
CAMEO is an academic and clinical institution initiative that began as a pilot project in 2007 at the Vancouver Centre of the BCCA. Since then, CAMEO has been active at all BC Cancer centers and has branched out to other sites in Canada. The initiative has been able to identify and evaluate the use of CAM in oncology settings and has developed individualized institutional programs to support patients. The CAMEO website contains information about CAM, including the safety and effectiveness of CAM, as well as the availability of CAM resources. The project has also been supported by the Katherine Heller estate and the Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation. CAMEO acknowledges these organizations as its primary funders. https://thesihoeffect.com/
CAMEO is a collaborative project that transforms the latest CAM research into user-friendly information. The CAMEO team includes a number of enthusiastic associates and researchers. Some of the researchers who are involved in the CAMEO program include: Project Director Porcino; Associate Professor, Integrated Medicine, University of British Columbia; Truant TLO, a breast cancer survivor; and Research Nurse Coordinators Ross and Wong. All these individuals are committed to delivering innovative CAM programs to the community.
The CAMEO team conducted a 21-item survey to assess the needs of cancer patients for CAM. It assessed the demographics and characteristics of participants, as well as their CAM information and decision support needs. The CAMEO project also conducted six focus groups with BrCa survivors. The results of the survey showed that more than 80 percent of Canadians who have cancer are using CAM. CAM is used by patients to help relieve their symptoms and to improve their overall quality of life. The growing use of CAM amongst Canadians with cancer suggests that there is a need for improved CAM information for health care providers and patients. The survey found that nearly 74% of participants would be willing to attend a CAM education program.
The CAMEO program has developed clinical practice guidelines for oncology health care professionals. It has also developed a natural health product decision aid, a questionnaire, and a resource website. CAMEO will continue to work on projects that will make CAM accessible and more effective to cancer patients, practitioners, and health care professionals. In addition, CAMEO has worked to develop and test a CAM educational resource for patients and health care providers.
Support programs for people with cancer
The cost of cancer treatment can be a significant concern for patients. However, it is possible to receive financial assistance to help you meet your medical bills. Depending on your location and the type of cancer you have, you may qualify for a variety of programs. Many hospitals maintain a list of local service organizations. The United Way can also help you locate these services.
Using complementary and alternative therapies can improve your health and increase your quality of life. These methods can include massage, meditation, and yoga. They can reduce symptoms caused by the disease, and may also be useful in encouraging healing. They may even be used to help with the side effects of chemotherapy. In fact, some people who use these therapies report that they feel better than they did before their diagnosis.
The American Cancer Society is a great source of information about what's available. Their Cancer Lifeline program provides information and education about how to navigate the cancer care system, as well as free educational and support classes. These programs are offered in some parts of Washington, and may be a good start.
The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) is an organization that links individuals and organizations that offer financial assistance. The CFAC provides a searchable database of financial aid resources. The CFAC is also a great source for education and information about various cancer-related financial assistance programs.
Other resources include the Cancer Family Relief Fund, which offers grants to children with cancer. This program helps with extracurricular activities and provides emotional support to young patients. In addition, some counties will arrange transportation for cancer patients. This can take the form of a vanpool, or it may be as simple as paying for your gas. You may also qualify for direct financial assistance from the Department of Social Services.
Another good resource is the Cancer Pathways network. This nonprofit group offers educational lectures and support groups, as well as the opportunity to join free networking groups. It can be difficult to stay focused on your treatments when your finances are at stake, so these organizations can be helpful.
The CancerCare program can help you pay for some of the cost of your cancer treatments. They provide limited financial assistance for child care, transportation, co-pays, and home care. You can also find a list of other organizations that can help you with your financial needs.
The Cancer Lifeline may be the best known program, but other options are available. A number of hospitals offer private funds to cover the cost of cancer treatment. The Atlanta Cancer Care Foundation can also help with emergency financial assistance to those diagnosed with cancer in the 17-county metro Atlanta area. The Winship Patient and Family Resource Center at the Y can also be a great place to start. This is a centralized location for services and information, and the Radiance Boutique can offer you a wide range of natural health products.
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