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Alternative cancer treatments: 11 alternative treatments to consider
Alternative cancer treatments can't cure your cancer, but they may provide some relief from signs and symptoms.
By Mayo Clinic staffMany people with cancer are interested in trying anything that may help them, including complementary and alternative cancer treatments. If cancer makes you feel as though you have little control over your health, alternative cancer treatments may offer some feeling of control. But many alternative cancer treatments are unproved and many are even dangerous.
To help you sort out the good from the bad, here are 11 alternative cancer treatments that are generally safe. Plus, there is some evidence that these 11 alternative cancer treatments may provide some benefit.
How can alternative medicine help people with cancer?
Alternative cancer treatments won't play any role in curing your cancer, but they may help you cope with signs and symptoms caused by cancer and cancer treatments. Common signs and symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, difficulty sleeping, and stress may be lessened by alternative treatments.
Use alternative cancer treatments as a supplement to treatments you receive from your doctor — not as a substitute for medical care. While alternative cancer treatments, such as acupuncture, may reduce nausea or pain, they generally aren't powerful enough to replace medications from your doctor. Work closely with your doctor to determine the right balance between traditional medicines and alternative cancer treatments.
| If you're experiencing | Then consider trying |
|---|---|
| Anxiety | Hypnosis, massage, meditation, relaxation techniques |
| Fatigue | Exercise, massage, relaxation techniques, yoga |
| Nausea and vomiting | Acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnosis, music therapy |
| Pain | Acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, hypnosis, meditation, massage, music therapy |
| Sleep problems | Exercise, relaxation techniques, tai chi, yoga |
| Stress | Aromatherapy, exercise, hypnosis, massage, meditation, tai chi, yoga |
(1 of 2)
- Complementary and alternative methods for cancer management. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_1_Introduction.asp. Accessed Nov. 9, 2009.
- Cassileth BR, et al. Complementary therapies and integrative oncology in lung cancer: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition). Chest. 2007;132(suppl):340S.
- Aromatherapy. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Aromatherapy.asp?sitearea=ETO. Accessed Nov. 10, 2009.
- Biofeedback. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3x_Biofeedback.asp?sitearea=ETO. Accessed Nov. 10, 2009.
- Adult cancer pain. Fort Washington, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/pain.pdf. Accessed Nov. 10, 2009.
- Tai chi. American Cancer Society. March 26, 2007. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Tai_Chi.asp?sitearea=ETO. Accessed Nov. 10, 2009.
- Antiemesis. Fort Washington, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/antiemesis.pdf. Accessed Nov. 10, 2009.
- Cancer-related fatigue. Fort Washington, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/fatigue.pdf. Accessed Nov. 10, 2009.
- Frequently asked questions about music therapy. American Music Therapy Association. http://www.musictherapy.org/faqs.html. Accessed Nov. 10, 2009.
- Complementary medicine: Information for patients. Cancer.Net. http://www.plwc.org/portal/site/PLWC/menuitem.169f5d85214941ccfd748f68ee37a01d/?vgnextoid=2ed541eca8daa010VgnVCM100000ed730ad1RCRD. Accessed Nov. 10, 2009.
- Courneya KS. Exercise in cancer survivors: An overview of research. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2003;35:1846.
- Mitchell SA, et al. Putting evidence into practice: Evidence-based interventions for fatigue during and following cancer and its treatment. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2007;11:99.
- Page MS, et al. Putting evidence into practice: Evidence-based interventions for sleep-wake disturbances. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2006;10:753.
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