MANY PATIENTS use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as herbal products, acupuncture, and meditation. But is CAM right for your patients? These online resources will help you and your patients weigh the risks and benefits.

Cochrane CAM Field: Integrative Medicine

http://www.cam.cochrane.org

From the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md., this site lists reviews and protocols on CAM treatments from Cochrane Complementary Medicine, a worldwide organization that gathers and summarizes the best evidence from research to support informed decision-making.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrat

Operated by a pharmacist and a botanicals expert, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's About Herbs search database aims to help patients and healthcare professionals weigh the pros and cons of integrating common herbs and dietary supplements into cancer treatment regimens. The hospital's site also offers an FAQs page on integrative medicine, herbs, botanicals, and more.

National Cancer Institute, Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine

http://www.cancer.gov/cam

This site contains links to current research studies on cancer and CAM, peer-reviewed PDQ Cancer Information Summaries, an A-to-Z list of CAM therapies, and tips for talking to a healthcare provider about CAM.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Health

http://www.nccam.nih.gov

Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, this site contains information on clinical trials, alerts and advisories, treatments and therapies such as yoga and massage therapy, and clinical practice guidelines for healthcare professionals. The NIH also publishes the National Health Interview Survey, which includes a special section on complementary health approaches every 5 years.