11 alternative cancer treatments to consider (2023)

Many people with cancer are interested in trying anything that might help them, including complementary and alternative cancer treatments. But many alternative cancer treatments are unproven, and some can even be dangerous.

To help you tell the good from the bad, here are 11 alternative cancer treatments that are generally safe. There is also growing evidence that these treatments may provide some benefit.

How can alternative medicine help people with cancer?

Alternative cancer treatments may not play a direct role in curing your cancer, but they can help you manage signs and symptoms caused by cancer and cancer treatments, such as anxiety, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, trouble sleeping, and stress.

Alternative medicine is a term often used to describe methods not typically offered by healthcare providers. As researchers study these treatments and the evidence supporting these alternative methods grows, physicians and other providers are incorporating them into treatment plans alongside standard treatments. It's an approach providers sometimes refer to as integrative medicine.

Applying these evidence-based integrative medicine approaches along with standard treatments can help alleviate many symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. But alternative or integrative treatments are generally not powerful enough to fully replace standard treatments. Discuss your options with your provider to find the right balance.

Which treatments are worth trying?

Talk to your provider if you are interested in:

• Acupuncture.During acupuncture treatment, a doctor inserts tiny needles into your skin at specific points. Studies show that acupuncture can be helpful in relieving nausea caused by chemotherapy. Acupuncture can also help relieve certain types of pain in people with cancer.

  Acupuncture is safe when performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile needles. Ask your provider for names of trusted practitioners. Acupuncture is not safe if you are taking blood thinners or if you have low blood counts, so check with your doctor first.

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  Acupressure is a related technique that involves applying light pressure to specific areas, such as the wrist, to relieve nausea.

• aromatherapy.Aromatherapy uses scented oils to provide a calming feeling. Oils infused with scents like lavender can be applied to the skin during a massage or added to bath water. Fragrance oils can also be heated to release their fragrances into the air. Aromatherapy can be helpful in relieving nausea, pain, and stress.

  Aromatherapy can be performed by a doctor, or you can use aromatherapy yourself. Aromatherapy is safe, although oils applied to the skin can cause allergic reactions. People with estrogen-sensitive cancer, such as Some types of breast cancer, for example, should avoid applying large amounts of lavender oil and tea tree oil to the skin.

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• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of talk therapy. during oneCBTIn one session, a mental health counselor, e.g. a psychotherapist or therapist, will work with you to see challenging situations more clearly and respond to them more effectively.

  For people with cancerCBTcan help with sleep problems. ACBTA counselor or therapist can help you identify thoughts and behaviors that cause or worsen sleep problems and replace them with habits that promote healthy sleep.

  Ask your doctor about a referral to a specialist if you're interestedCBT.

• A practice.Exercise can help you manage signs and symptoms during and after cancer treatment. Gentle exercise can help relieve fatigue and stress and help you sleep better. Many studies are now showing that an exercise program can help people with cancer live longer and improve their overall quality of life.

  If you have not exercised regularly, consult your provider before starting an exercise program. Start slow and gradually add more movement. Try to work your way up to at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

• Hypnosis.Hypnosis is a deep state of concentration. During a hypnotherapy session, a therapist can hypnotize you by speaking in a soft voice and helping you relax. The therapist will then help you focus on goals such as: B. controlling your pain and reducing your stress.

  Hypnosis can be helpful for people with cancer who are experiencing anxiety, pain, and stress. It can also help prevent premature nausea and vomiting, which can happen if you have a history of getting sick from chemotherapy. When performed by a certified therapist, hypnosis is safe. But tell your therapist if you have a history of mental illness.

• Massage.During a massage, your doctor kneads your skin, muscles, and tendons to relieve muscle tension and stress and promote relaxation. There are several massage methods. The massage can be light and gentle or deep with more pressure.

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  Studies have shown that massage can be helpful in relieving pain in cancer patients. It can also help reduce anxiety, fatigue and stress.

  Massage can be safe when you work with a knowledgeable massage therapist. Many cancer centers have massage therapists on staff, or your provider can refer you to a massage therapist who works regularly with people living with cancer.

  Do not get a massage if your blood levels are very low. Ask the massage therapist to avoid massage near surgical scars, radiation areas, or tumors. If you have cancer in your bones or other bone diseases like osteoporosis, ask the massage therapist to use gentle pressure rather than a deep massage.

• Meditation.Meditation is a state of deep concentration when you fix your mind on an image, sound, or idea, such as a B. a positive thought. When you meditate, you can also do breathing or relaxation exercises. Meditation can help people with cancer by relieving anxiety and stress and improving mood.

  Meditation is generally safe. You can meditate alone for a few minutes once or twice a day, or you can take a class with a teacher. There are also many online courses and apps for guided meditations.

• music therapyDuring music therapy sessions, you can listen to music, play instruments, sing songs, or write lyrics. A trained music therapist can guide you through activities tailored to your specific needs, or you can participate in group music therapy. Music therapy can help relieve pain, control nausea and vomiting, and deal with anxiety and stress.

  Music therapy is safe and requires no musical talent to participate. Many medical centers have certified music therapists on staff.

• relaxation techniques.Relaxation techniques are ways to focus your attention, quiet your mind, and relax your muscles. Relaxation techniques can include activities such as visualization exercises or progressive muscle relaxation.

  Relaxation techniques can be helpful to reduce anxiety and fatigue. They can also help people with cancer sleep better.

  Relaxation techniques are safe. A therapist will usually guide you through these exercises, and you may be able to do them yourself or with the help of guided relaxation recordings.

• Tai Chi.Tai Chi is a form of exercise that involves gentle movements and deep breathing. Tai chi can be guided by an instructor, or you can learn tai chi yourself from books or videos. Practicing Tai Chi can help reduce stress.

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  Tai Chi is generally safe. The slow movements of Tai Chi do not require great physical strength and the exercises can be easily adapted to one's ability. Still, talk to your provider before you start tai chi. Don't do tai chi moves that cause pain.

• Yoga.Yoga combines stretching exercises with deep breathing. During a yoga session, you position your body in various poses that involve bending, twisting, and stretching. There are many types of yoga, each with their own variations.

  Yoga can reduce stress in cancer patients. Yoga has also been shown to improve sleep and reduce fatigue.

  Before beginning a yoga class, ask your provider to recommend a teacher who regularly works with people with health conditions like cancer. Avoid yoga postures that cause pain. A good instructor can give you alternative poses that are safe for you.

You may find that some treatments work well together. For example, deep breathing during a massage can further reduce stress.

27 January 2022

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