Integrative medicine for cancer treatment
Talk With Your Doctor First
Before using any type of IM, you should talk with your health care provider first. This includes taking vitamins and other supplements. Some treatments that are usually safe can be risky for people with cancer. For example, St. John wort can interfere with some cancer drugs. And high doses of vitamin C can affect how well radiation and chemotherapy work.
Also, not all therapies work the same for everyone. Your provider can help you decide if a specific treatment might help you rather than causing potential harm.
When IM Can Help
IM may help relieve common side effects of cancer or cancer treatment, such as fatigue, anxiety, pain, and nausea. Some cancer centers even offer these therapies as part of their care.
Many types of IM have been studied. Those that may help people with cancer include:
- Acupuncture. This ancient Chinese practice may help relieve nausea and vomiting. It also may help ease cancer pain and hot flashes. Be sure your acupuncturist uses sterile needles, since cancer puts you at higher risk for infection.
- Aromatherapy. This treatment uses fragrant oils to improve health or mood. It also may help ease pain, nausea, stress, and depression. Although generally safe, these oils can cause allergic reactions, headaches, and nausea in some people.
- Massage therapy. This type of bodywork may help relieve anxiety, nausea, pain, and depression. Before you have massage therapy, ask your provider if the therapist should avoid any areas of your body.
- Meditation. Practicing meditation has been shown to ease anxiety, fatigue, stress, and sleep problems.
- Ginger. This herb may help ease the nausea of cancer treatment when it is used with standard anti-nausea medicines.
- Yoga. This ancient mind-body practice may help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. Before doing yoga, be sure to check with your provider to see if there are any poses or kinds of classes you should avoid.
- Biofeedback. This therapy may help ease the pain of cancer. It also may help with sleeping problems.
In general, these therapies are safe for most people and pose little health risk. But before using them, you should always ask your provider if they are safe for you.
The Limits of IM
Currently, no types of IM have been shown to help cure or treat cancer. While many products and treatments are touted as cures for cancer, there are no studies that back up these claims. Before trying any product that makes such claims, talk with your provider first. Some products can interfere with other cancer treatments.
Finding an IM Practitioner
If you want to try an IM treatment, choose your practitioner wisely. Here are some tips:
- Ask your providers or cancer center if they can help you find a practitioner.
- Ask about the practitioner's training and certification.
- Make sure the person has a license to practice the treatment in your state.
- Look for a practitioner who has worked with people with your type of cancer and who is willing to work with your provider on your treatment.
References
Greenlee H, DuPont-Reyes MJ, Balneaves LG et al. Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment. CA Cancer J Clin. 2017;67(3):194-232. PMID: 28436999
National Cancer Institute website. Complementary and alternative medicine.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website. Are you considering a complementary health approach?
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website. 6 things you need to know about cancer and complementary health approaches.
Rosenthal DS, Webster A, Ladas E. Integrative therapies in patients with hematologic diseases. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 156.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 1/6/2022
Reviewed by: Richard LoCicero, MD, private practice specializing in Hematology and Medical Oncology, Longstreet Cancer Center, Gainesville, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
