There is much controversy and debate about the use of complementary and alternative therapies in cancer, mainly because of the substantial gap between patients’ belief about and use of these treatments and the lack of scientific evidence about their safety and effectiveness.
This position statement defines complementary, alternative and conventional treatments and discusses their prevalence, economic impact and reasons for use. It summarises their risks and benefits and suggests questions consumers could ask to help facilitate informed use.
The statement also contains Cancer Council recommendations about these forms of therapies.