Many cancer patients seek complementary therapies to feel better, reduce side effects, and take an active role in their healing. When chosen carefully, these approaches can improve quality of life. However, some therapies may interfere with cancer treatments or cause harm.
What Are Complementary and Integrative Therapies?
- Complementary therapies are used alongside standard treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
- Integrative care combines the best of conventional medicine and safe complementary practices in a coordinated, evidence-based way.
Important: Complementary therapies are not substitutes for cancer treatment. Always discuss them with your oncologist.
Common Complementary Therapies — and Their Safety
- Acupuncture: insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body by a trained professional
Potential benefits: May ease pain, nausea, hot flashes, and peripheral neuropathy.
Safety tips:
- Choose a licensed, experienced acupuncturist.
- Inform them of your diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Avoid if you have low platelets, bleeding issues, infection risk, or a compromised immune system unless cleared by your doctor.
- Meditation and Mindfulness: practices such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or mindfulness help calm the mind and body.
Potential benefits: reduces anxiety, stress, depression, and pain.
Safety tips:
- Generally very safe for everyone.
- Even 5–10 minutes a day can offer noticeable benefits.
- Nutrition and Supplements: vitamins, herbs, and dietary products intended to support health.
Potential benefits: Supports recovery, energy, and overall wellness.
Safety tips:
- Some supplements, especially antioxidants, high-dose vitamins, herbal extracts, and “immune boosters” can interfere with chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted drugs.
- Natural does not always mean safe.
- Always consult your doctor or an oncology dietitian before starting any supplement.
- Exercise Programs: including walking, yoga, stretching, tai chi, and strength training tailored to your needs.
Potential benefits: Improves energy, mood, strength, and recovery.
Safety tips:
- Start slowly and listen to your body.
- Get approval if you have bone metastases, surgical wounds, severe fatigue, or balance issues.
- Consider working with a physical therapist or cancer-exercise specialist.
Questions to Ask Before Starting Any Complementary Therapy
Before trying any new approach, ask:
- Has this therapy been studied in people with cancer?
- Will it interfere with my current treatments?
- Is it safe given my medical condition?
- Who is providing the therapy, and are they qualified?
- What are the possible side effects or interactions?
Remember:
- Complementary therapies support your well-being but do not replace medical cancer treatments.
- Always communicate openly with your oncology team about any therapy.
- Empower yourself with reliable information and focus on evidence-based, safety practices.
- You are not alone. AFCR is here to support you with science, guidance, and hope.
- Sign-up with AFCR to stay informed about the latest cancer research breakthroughs
