Tests and Treatments
Complementary and alternative therapy
But there are also other kinds of cancer treatments, called complementary or alternative therapies.
Complementary therapies
These therapies promote well-being and are often used in conjunction with traditional therapies. They may not cure cancer on their own, but they can certainly help you cope with treatment side effects and improve overall quality of life.
Complementary therapies include:
- acupuncture
- aromatherapy
- hypnotherapy/hypnosis
- massage
- meditation
- music therapy
- relaxation
- tai chi
- yoga
Alternative therapies
Usually involve exclusive use of other therapies instead of conventional treatments. There is no clinical evidence that these therapies work. By choosing alternative therapies only, patients with early cancer may miss out on conventional treatments that could offer them a cure, and people with advanced cancer may miss out on medicines that could control or reduce their symptoms.
If you are thinking of trying an alternative therapy it is essential to talk to your doctor beforehand.
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