About complementary therapies

In this information we use the following terms:

• conventional medical treatments
• complementary therapies
• alternative therapies.

It is helpful to understand what these terms mean.

Complementary therapies are used with, or as well as, conventional medical treatments. They do not claim that they can treat or cure cancer. People might use complementary therapies to improve their physical or emotional health. Or they may use them to reduce cancer symptoms or the side effects of cancer treatments.

Complementary therapy can be used with conventional medical treatments. This is called integrated or integrative medicine.

Some complementary therapies have been scientifically tested to see how safe and effective they are, and if they have side effects. But it is often difficult to know how effective a complementary therapy is. This is because:

• studies testing this are usually small
• studies testing this often give different results
• it may be other factors that help with the side effects or symptoms of cancer, rather than the therapy itself.

Therapies can be grouped in different ways. Some may fit into more than one group. The main groups are:

• mind-body therapies such as yoga, meditation and hypnotherapy
• massage and other touch therapies such as reflexology
• acupuncture
• therapies using herb and plants as a complementary remedy
• therapies using supplements or diet.

Many people also find  talking, counselling and support groups a good source of support.

When choosing a complementary therapy, it can help to think about:

• what you would like
• how it might benefit you
• its availability
• any safety issues
• how much it costs.

You can search online for details of organisations that can tell you more about individual complementary therapies.

If you would like to know what complementary therapies other people have found helpful, you can contact a local cancer support group. Or you can join our Online Community to read about people’s experiences. You can also visit healthtalk.org to read interviews with people who have tried complementary therapies.

To decide what feels right for you, it may help to think about what you want from the complementary therapy.

You may want to:

• feel more relaxed
• get help with symptoms or side effects
• get help with difficult emotions
• feel generally better
• make a positive lifestyle change.

It may also help to think about:

• if the treatments are free or, if you have to pay, how much you can afford
• if you want a one-off treatment or to do something regularly.

Doctors do not usually mind their patients using complementary therapies. But some therapies may not be suitable to use alongside certain cancer treatments.

Before using a complementary therapy, talk to your healthcare team. Find out if it could have any harmful effects for you. It is very important to check whether it could:

• affect your cancer treatment
• make your cancer treatment less effective
• make side effects of your cancer treatment worse.

In this information, we have explained any safety issues of a complementary therapy.

We cannot advise you about the best treatment for you. Only your cancer doctor can give you this information.

If you are already using a complementary therapy, make sure you tell your cancer doctor before you start cancer treatment. This is especially important if you are taking herbs, pills or medicines.

Before using a complementary therapy, tell the complementary therapist that you have cancer. This could affect the treatment or advice they give you. Some therapists may not treat someone with a diagnosis of cancer if they have not had training to help them work safely with you.

It is important not to use a therapist who claims to treat, prevent or cure cancer with complementary or alternative therapies. No reputable therapist would do this and there is no medical evidence to support these claims.

Before making any decisions, make sure you have the information you need about the complementary therapy you are interested in. Talk about it with your cancer doctor or specialist nurse.

Ask to have a meeting with a complementary therapist to find out how they think their therapy could help you.

You may find it helpful to take a family member or friend with you for support. It can also help to write down the questions that you want to ask beforehand. Take your time to decide whether you want to go ahead with the therapy.

Our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists can give you more information about complementary and alternative therapies. To speak with a Cancer Information Nurse Specialist, you can:

• Call 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm).
• Chat to us online

You can also get information from library books and online. Be careful when choosing what to read or believe on the Internet. Some websites make claims that are not supported by evidence and others may be selling products to make money.