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Human-Animal Interaction

A Complementary/Alternative Medical (CAM) Intervention for Cancer Patients

University of Missouri-Columbia

Richard L. Meadows

University of Missouri-Columbia

Jennifer S. Haubner

Ellis Fischel Cancer Center

Kathy Sevedge

Ellis Fischel Cancer Center

There is growing and widespread use of complementary and alternative medical (CAM) techniques among cancer patients. The National Cancer Institute recognizes a myriad of CAM techniques that may be used. Research demonstrates that cancer patients use these techniques to try to regain control of their disease process and treatment and to facilitate quality of life. The purpose of this article is to discuss the uses of CAM among cancer patients and to present findings of a pilot study in which cancer patients being treated in an inpatient hospital unit were randomly assigned to receive either a brief visit from a trained visitor dog and its handler, a visit from a friendly human visitor, or a session of quiet reading. Findings revealed that those who received the dog visit were more likely to view the visit as part of their therapy and were more likely to tell another person about the visit.

Key Words: cancer • complementary/alternative medicine • animal-assisted therapy • pets • pet therapy

American Behavioral Scientist, Vol. 47, No. 1, 55-69 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/0002764203255213


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