Psychological distress is also related to the
symptoms of patients with cancer and consequently
psychological support and care must be integral to
the patient’s treatment.4 Untreated psychological
distress may exacerbate pain or other symptoms.
It is therefore important to ensure that patients
have access to a counseling and spiritual support.
Psychological therapies are all primarily aimed at
promoting relaxation, controlling stress and anxiety
and improved coping mechanisms and adjustment.137
Complementary therapies are used as adjuncts
to current evidence based management. They are
supportive measures that assist in symptom control,
enhance well-being, and contribute to overall patient
care.138 Complementary therapy has been integrated
into the management of patients with cancer and it
has been noted that the uptake of complementary and
alternative medicine increases with advancing disease,
unmet patient needs, and helplessness.139 There is a
minimal evidence supporting the use of complementary
and alternative therapies.140 It is important to evaluate
herbal and other dietary products for side effects and
potential interactions with chemotherapy and other
medication.