Complementary and alternative medicine includes a vast collection of unrelated regimens and products. These range from adjunctive complementary therapies that enhance quality of life, to promising anti-tumor herbal remedies now under investigation, to unproved alternatives that claim to cure cancer and therefore have led patients to postpone or forego effective care. Complementary therapies include music and massage, herbal teas to aid digestion and relieve nausea, yoga, tai chi, and meditation. These and the many other well-documented techniques to relieve stress and enhance well-being should be available to augment and ease the experience of cancer treatment and recovery.
Ancient herbal and diet-based remedies are under serious investigation for their ability to induce or extend remission without toxicity. At the same time, lack of government regulatory authority leaves consumers without guidance except for the promotional claims of those who manufacture or offer unproved remedies, dozens of which are readily available in grocery stores, pharmacies, health food shops, and on the Internet. Many of these over-the-counter products contain harmful ingredients. How to distinguish between helpful complementary therapies and useless or dangerous regimens sold as literal alternatives to mainstream care is often difficult. Beware of books or web sites that sell products. These commercial sources of information typically present material that is not objective and that may be seriously incorrect.
Herb-drug interactions, only some of which are documented, occur often and are sufficiently serious that patients should stop taking herbal remedies prior to surgery (because of interactions with anesthetics and anticoagulant effects), before radiation therapy (because herbs can increase photosensitivity), and during courses of chemotherapy (because of product-drug interactions).
If you are considering complementary therapy:
- Talk with your doctor. Some therapies may be harmful, or will not mix well with conventional treatment for cancer. Antioxidants, for example, may interfere with radiation therapy. Herbal remedies should be stopped before chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to avoid potentially dangerous herb-drug interactions.
- Ask your doctor for a referral. Many hospitals now have complementary medicine departments, with certified practitioners, such as acupuncturists, on staff.
- Ask a state or national licensing organization for a referral. For example, the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture makes referrals.
- Ask your insurance company for a referral. Some now reimburse for therapies such as acupuncture, and maintain lists of approved practitioners.
- Interview the practitioner before beginning treatment. Ask about professional training and how much experience he or she has with your particular problem. Ask if he or she will consult with your doctors (if the practitioner refuses, or claims persecution by the "medical establishment," leave).
- Complementary therapies such as those listed below are used to reduce pain and other symptoms, enhance well-being, and improve quality of life. Try those that sound especially appealing to you.
Guided Imagery/Relaxation
Guided imagery uses the mind to conjure up pleasant images to relieve stress and pain and help patients to relax. Many people use this to relax during chemotherapy sessions. Look for prerecorded tapes and workshops that lead you through guided imagery exercises.
Support Groups
Many people find support groups quite helpful in dealing with the emotional aspects of illness. Even if this would not normally be a solution for you, you may wish to attend one session and then make a decision about whether it's right for you.
Massage
Studies have shown that massage increases relaxation and feelings of well-being in cancer patients. It may also be useful for pain control, and is known to be useful in the management of lymphedema.
Acupuncture
A panel of scientists brought together by the National Institutes of Health concluded that acupuncture is effective in treating nausea due to anesthesia or chemotherapy, and can also relieve pain and fatigue in some patients.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis might help you to relax during treatments and might be useful in controlling pain.
Acupressure
Acupressure points on the body can sometimes be manipulated to help control mild nausea. Wristbands with attached buttons that put pressure on the inside of the wrist are sold for this purpose in many drugstores and marine supply stores.
