Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #103889

Steven Szydlowski, MBA, MHA, Department of Health Administration and Human Resources, University of Scranton, McGurrin Hall 413, Scranton, PA 18510, 5709414367, sjs14@scranton.edu, Daniel J. West, PhD, Department of Health Administration & Human Resources, University of Scranton, 417 McGurrin Hall, Scranton, PA 18510, and Peter Amato, Inner Harmony Group, R R Box 156, Dalton, PA 18414.

Oncological treatment has significantly evolved over the past two decades. Technological advancements continue to change community perspectives of cancer as a chronic disease rather than a terminal illness. However, given the progressive nature of the disease, the fact exists that approximately half of the people diagnosed with cancer will eventually die from the disease. Treatment and support techniques for cancer patients and survivors have evolved to include emotional support for patients, survivors, and families coping with cancer and the psychosocial support interventions needed to improve quality of life. The New Beginnings Cancer Care Program used in this study identifies integrative medicine practices that help patients deal with cancer. The program focuses on the use of conventional treatment of cancer complemented with mindfulness meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy, and reiki. As a result of the New Beginnings Program, the researchers measure quality of life changes in cancer patients to include indicators such as decreased physical pain by treatment of symptoms, decreased anxiety and depression, increased self-awareness and self-esteem, increased self-empowerment, confidence and growth, greater sense of mental clarity and emotional balance, reduced stress, increased physical energy, fitness, flexibility, and stamina, positively induced healthy relationships, and promotion of longevity.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the New Beginnings Cancer Care Program and the integrative modalities used to complement traditional care for cancer care patients.
• Clearly identify the outcomes and improved quality of life participants can expect to experience as a result of the New Beginnings Cancer Care Program.
• List the challenges, barriers, opportunities, and lessons learned of implementing the New Beginnings Cancer Care Program and the integrative approach.
• Describe the process and implementation protocols used to inform the public about the progress and success in the area of integrative approaches to cancer care.
• Explain techniques and resources needed to provide ongoing educational programming to increase awareness to the medical community on integrative approaches to cancer care.

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation