Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Many cancer patients find great value in treatments and practices that help to reduce the physical and emotional stresses of cancer and its treatments.  These cover a wide range of options and include yoga, mindful meditation, journal writing, music therapy, art therapy, and acupuncture.  Some cancer centers offer complementary medicine techniques and programs to patients and families.  Complementary medicine programs do not directly treat the disease, but they can provide a very positive, often very creative, means of coping with cancer and reducing stress.

Avoid alternative medicine programs or practices that claim to treat your cancer, especially those that encourage you to stop conventional treatments.  Keep your treatment team fully informed of your dietary practices and any supplements you take, as some foods and supplements interfere with cancer treatments.