Complementary and alternative therapies

It's common to wonder whether there are any other therapies you could try. You may want help managing the symptoms and side effects of conventional cancer treatment, such as fatigue, nausea or pain. Some people use therapies to help feel some control over their treatment.

What are complementary therapies?

Complementary therapies are treatments used alongside conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, to improve general health and wellbeing. Check with your doctor if you are unsure about a particular complementary therapy.

Research has shown that some complementary therapies may help people manage the various emotional and physical effects of cancer and its treatment. Examples include:

• anxiety – meditation, relaxation, mindfulness, counselling, support groups, art therapy, music therapy, massage, hypnotherapy
• fatigue – meditation, relaxation, exercise
• pain – hypnotherapy, acupuncture, visualisation, massage, reflexology, acupressure, meditation, relaxation
• stress – meditation, relaxation, counselling, support groups, spiritual practices
• nausea and vomiting – acupuncture, hypnotherapy.

Cancer treatment centres and palliative care services may offer free therapies (e.g. art therapy, massage, meditation). Some community centres offer group therapies, such as tai chi or yoga, for free or for a small charge. Often you will see a private practitioner and pay for most complementary therapies. If you have private health insurance, check if it provides a rebate for visits to a private practitioner. 

See Complementary therapies.

Alternative therapies

Alternative therapies are commonly defined as treatments used instead of conventional medicine. Many alternative therapies have not been scientifically tested, so there is no proof they stop cancer growing or spreading. Others have been tested and shown not to work.

When cancer has spread and treatment options are limited, some people consider alternative therapies. Friends and family may also suggest that you try alternative treatments. While side effects of alternative therapies are not always known, some can be harmful – for example, taking high-dose vitamins can have side effects, and eliminating food groups could mean that your diet no longer provides all the nutrients you need. Some alternative therapies may be expensive, and they could affect management of your symptoms.

Be suspicious if any treatment:

• claims to cure all cancers
• requires you to travel overseas
• says the medical/pharmaceutical industry wants to stop its use
• suggests it has positive results with few or no side effects.

Cancer Council does not recommend the use of alternative therapies as a treatment for cancer. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission tracks health and medical scams to help the public detect and avoid scams.

To find out more, visit ScamWatch.