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Exploring Oncology Referral Practices for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Scoping Review
Usha Rani Malur Rangaiah1, Arunangshu Ghoshal2, Dumbala Sowjanya3
1Department of Yoga and Life Sciences, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru, India.
Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine
|May 26, 2026
Summary
Oncologists are open to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for cancer care, but educational and safety concerns hinder referrals. Addressing these barriers is key to improving integrative oncology practices.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Healthcare Research
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is rising in cancer patients.
- Oncologist referrals to CAM remain infrequent, with inconsistent research findings.
- Limited synthesis exists on oncologists' perspectives and referral practices regarding CAM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the existing literature on oncologists' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors toward CAM.
- To identify factors influencing oncologists' CAM referral practices in adult cancer care.
Main Methods:
- Scoping literature review following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.
- Searched seven major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus) from 1990 to 2026.
- Included peer-reviewed articles on oncologists' perspectives on CAM for adult cancer patients.
Main Results:
- 13 studies were included from 11,853 identified.
- Commonly referred CAM categories include natural products, mind-body practices, and whole medical systems.
- Oncologists' views encompass beliefs on CAM integration, information sources, personal use, gender, workplace role, spirituality, and barriers/facilitators to referral.
Conclusions:
- Oncologists show willingness to integrate CAM for curable cancers.
- Educational, evidence-based, and safety concerns are significant barriers to CAM referrals.
- Future research should address practitioner collaboration barriers and evidence gaps in integrative oncology.
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