NICM applauds launch of Kinghorn Cancer Centre

Media Release: Aug 28, 2012

The National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NCIM) welcomes the launch of Kinghorn Cancer Centre in Sydney as a major step forward for cancer patients seeking integrated care.

According to NICM interim executive director Professor Alan Bensoussan this type of facility is greatly needed and long overdue.

"An estimated two out of three people with cancer use complementary medicines or therapies to help with their cancer management, or seek guidance as to viable complementary medicine options. It is vital that their care is managed in an understanding and integrated environment and that patients are able to be provided with accurate information," said Professor Bensoussan.

"Australia has been severely lagging behind other countries in this area and it is very pleasing to see the launch of Kinghorn Cancer Centre and other integrated cancer centres around the country."

The Kinghorn Cancer Centre will promote complementary therapies that are recognised internationally as best practice, and whose efficacy is supported by evidence and able to be measured. It will also help contribute to ongoing research efforts in this area.

NICM recommends that patients seeking information on complementary therapies and cancer read the Cancer Council publication Understanding complementary therapies: A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends.

Background

NICM provides leadership and support for strategically directed research into complementary medicine and translation of evidence into clinical practice and relevant policy to benefit the health of all Australians.   NICM was established by the Commonwealth and NSW State governments and is hosted by the University of Western Sydney.  It currently receives funding from philanthropy and industry.

NICM defines integrated care as complementary medicine (CM) used together with mainstream western medicine.  This includes CM health and medical systems, practices and products not currently recognised as part of conventional or mainstream Western medicine as practised by medical practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals