The Hidden World of Cancer Care in Hawaii

A big part of cancer care often goes unnoticed. It's not about the usual treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Instead, it's about complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. This includes things like meditation, herbal supplements, and acupuncture. These aren't part of standard medical care, but they can help with side effects from cancer treatments. In Hawaii, the mix of cultures and backgrounds makes it a special place to look at CAM use. A study was done to find out how common CAM is among cancer patients on Oahu. Questionnaires were handed out at various cancer treatment centers. They were optional and anonymous, so patients could share honestly. Out of 126 responses, more than half of the patients, 57. 1%, said they use at least one form of CAM. The most popular CAM therapies were meditation and herbal supplements, with massage and yoga also being quite common. CBD and THC were used for sleep, while acupuncture and CBD helped with pain. Stress reduction was a big benefit for many of these therapies, along with helping with anxiety. It's interesting to note that most CAM users were female, and very few had talked to their clinicians about it. This brings up an important point. There's a gap in communication between patients and doctors about CAM use. This could be a problem because CAM can interact with standard treatments. For example, some herbal supplements might interfere with chemotherapy. It's crucial for doctors to know what their patients are taking, so they can provide the best care possible. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) even has guidelines for non-drug therapies that are similar to some CAM practices. But, herbal supplements aren't included in these guidelines, so patients should be extra careful with them. The use of CAM in cancer care is a complex issue. It's not just about what works and what doesn't. It's also about culture, communication, and personal beliefs. In Hawaii, the diverse population adds another layer to this complexity. Understanding these factors can help improve cancer care for everyone. It's a reminder that health care isn't one-size-fits-all. It's about finding what works best for each individual, considering their unique background and needs.