title: Traditional Chinese Medicine for cancer-related symptoms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To familiarize oncology nurses about the theory and research related to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for management of cancer-related symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Peer-reviewed journal articles, TCM texts, professional experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The increasing integration of TCM into mainstream medicine mandates that oncology professionals be familiar with the benefits as well as risks. Clinical research on acupuncture in cancer care is growing and demonstrates it is safe for cancer patients, although results on efficacy across symptoms have been mixed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Informed oncology nurses can assist patients by making appropriate referrals to licensed acupuncturists and qualified TCM practitioners to help alleviate unpleasant symptoms associated with cancer and conventional cancer treatment.
authors.affiliation: Director of Chinese Medicine Services, UNM Center for Life, University of New Mexico, Department of Internal Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87109, USA. mesmith@salud.unm.edu
authors.forename: Mary Elizabeth
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bauer-Wu
mesh_terms: D026881:Acupuncture / Q000379:methods*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D019584:Hot Flashes; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000628:therapy; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D009325:Nausea / Q000628:therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010146:Pain; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D026302:Tai Ji; D014839:Vomiting / Q000628:therapy; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000628:therapy