The high prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by cancer patients receiving conventional treatment poses many communication challenges for cancer related health professionals and has led to the call for guidance from professional bodies. In response to this, COSA has developed a position statement on the use of CAM by cancer patients. Developed by the Complementary and Integrative Therapies Group of the Society, the multidisciplinary working group consulted with health professionals, researchers, consumers and members of the COSA Council during development and review of the statement.

The purpose of the document is to outline the position of COSA on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by cancer patients and to provide guidance for health professionals involved with the treatment of cancer patients who are using or wish to use CAM. This presentation will detail the background and proceedings of the working party and the development of the major themes covered in the final position statement.