When someone is diagnosed with cancer, there are many decisions to be made, including whether or not to add complementary medicine in cancer treatment. Most of the time, the most common treatments, like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, are used first. But, is there anything else you can do to increase your body’s chances of fighting the cancer.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer
Many patients elect to find other methods to fight their cancer. Complementary or alternative therapies are often considered, or for the purposes of this article, we will shorten these to CAM therapies. Other names for CAM include holistic, natural, folk medicine, or sometimes even unorthodox treatments.
Complementary therapies can be used alongside traditional, or conventional, therapies to help manage symptoms or improve the effectiveness of the medications you’re on. Examples include acupuncture to relieve cancer-related pain or ginger supplements to reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy.
There was a time when CAM therapies were considered ‘hocus pocus’ to doctors, but they are becoming more and more popular with additional research being released.
Alternative Therapies for Cancer
Alternative therapies are CAM therapies that are used to substitute conventional treatments in many cases and have been designed for specific cancer types. Examples include specialized diets or supplements to treat the cancer. People try alternative therapies for all different reasons. Some are afraid of the side effects associated with chemotherapy. Others would like to enjoy their time with their family farther than being sick.
Integrative Medicine
The most preferred approach by many practitioners is integrative medicine. Integrative medicine incorporates conventional therapies, alternative, and complementary medicine altogether to address the mind, body, and spirit of someone with cancer.
CAM Therapy Categories
Experts have divided CAM into the following categories:
Mind and Body Medicine: These practices focus on the mind being able to affect your body and include:
- Visual Imagery
- Aromatherapy (essential oils)
- Yoga
Biologically-Based Practices: These types of therapies are nature-focused and include:
- Aromatherapy (essential oils)
- Herbal tea
- Nutrition
- Supplements
Manipulative and Body-Based Practices: These therapies involve manipulation of the body and include:
- Reflexology
- Massage
Energy Medicine: Medical practices based on the belief that the body has different fields of energy that can be used for healing and wellness, and include:
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
Whole Medical Systems: Each medical system in the world has different beliefs that can be incorporated into Western medicine for better results.
- Ayurvedic Medicine: Yoga, Herbal Medicine
- TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Acupressure, acupuncture, nutrition
- Homeopathy
Talk to Your Oncologist
There are oncology centers that provide some or all of the above therapies. Some even combine traditional and CAM therapies at the same center. If you are considering using CAM therapies, talk to your oncologist or seek the help of a holistic oncologist to determine which options are best for you.