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Cancer Alternative Therapies
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Complementary Alternative Therapies

Cancer Alternative Therapies

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offers options to support mind, body, and spirit during cancer care, though safety and efficacy vary and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Overview

When navigating cancer treatment, patients often consider using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This term refers to medical products and therapies that are not part of standard medical care. CAM for cancer treatment focuses on caring for the mind, body, and spirit. Methods may include techniques that focus on breathing or body movements to promote relaxation, as well as the use of special foods, supplements, or diets. Common examples of CAM therapies include acupuncture, chiropractic, and herbal medicines.

While CAM claims can sound promising, researchers often do not yet know how safe some of these methods are or how well they work. Studies are currently ongoing to determine the safety and usefulness of many of these approaches.

Usage in Cancer Care

Using CAM alongside standard care is referred to as integrative medicine. Certain methods, such as acupuncture, may help manage nausea, pain, and other side effects associated with cancer treatment.

Reasons for Use

People with cancer may choose to use CAM for several reasons, including:

  • Helping cope with the side effects of cancer treatments
  • Easing worries about cancer treatment and related stress
  • Feeling that they are doing something more to help their care

Precautions and Management

CAM treatments do not work for everyone, and some products might interact with other medicines. It is essential to talk to your health care provider about all the different types of treatment you use. Your provider can help ensure that everything you are using for your cancer care works well together.

Frequently Asked Questions

cupuncture and acupressure are well-supported by clinical evidence for managing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. To use this safely, ensure the practitioner is licensed and experienced in treating oncology patients. Inform the acupuncturist about your current blood counts, particularly your platelet count, as low platelets can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising from needle insertion. If your platelets are very low, ask if acupressure points (such as P6 on the inner wrist) can be used instead of needles. Always schedule acupuncture sessions at times that do not conflict with your infusion appointments to avoid fatigue or dizziness.
Using high-dose antioxidant supplements, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or beta-carotene, during radiation therapy is generally discouraged without explicit medical approval. Radiation works by creating free radicals that damage cancer cell DNA; antioxidants can neutralize these free radicals, potentially shielding cancer cells from the radiation's effects and reducing treatment efficacy. While normal dietary intake of fruits and vegetables is safe and encouraged, concentrated supplements should be avoided unless your radiation oncologist confirms they are safe for your specific protocol. Always disclose any supplement use to your care team to prevent unintended interference with your treatment plan.
Many herbal supplements can interfere with how your body processes chemotherapy, potentially making the treatment less effective or causing severe toxicity. For example, St. John's Wort induces liver enzymes that can break down certain chemotherapy agents too quickly, reducing their ability to kill cancer cells. Conversely, high doses of antioxidants like Vitamin C or E may theoretically protect cancer cells from the oxidative stress caused by radiation or some chemo drugs. It is critical to provide your oncologist with a complete list of all supplements, teas, and herbs you are taking, as they can check for specific contraindications before you start or continue any regimen.
Before beginning any complementary therapy, verify that the practitioner holds appropriate certification or licensure from a recognized professional body, such as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) for acupuncture. Ask specifically about their experience treating cancer patients and their protocols for managing side effects. Ensure they are willing to communicate directly with your oncology team to coordinate care. Avoid practitioners who claim their therapy can cure cancer or who advise you to stop standard medical treatments. A safe CAM practitioner will always position their services as supportive of, not a replacement for, conventional cancer care.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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