Are you wondering if complementary therapies might be right for you? You’re certainly not alone. Up to 80 percent of people with a history of cancer use one or more complementary and integrative therapies while undergoing treatment.
What Are Complementary and Integrative Therapies?
Complementary therapies describe those treatment modalities that patients use in addition to conventional cancer treatments (such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation). Complementary therapies are not meant to cure cancer or replace conventional treatments. Instead, they improve patients’ quality of life and help manage symptoms of disease or treatment side effects.
Most hospitals and cancer centers — including some of the top cancer centers in the U.S. — now offer complementary therapies along with standard treatment, says Kimberly Morrison, a nurse practitioner at UF Health Cancer Center. They are fast becoming part of a holistic approach to cancer care, so most practitioners now simply refer to them as integrated therapies.
[See: How Social Workers Help Your Health.]
What Works?
Mind-body therapies. Mind-body therapies, such as tai chi, yoga, guided imagery and healing touch, help individuals manage stress and anxiety, which are understandably prevalent in cancer patients. As scientists continue to study these therapies in medical settings, they’re learning that they clearly demonstrate varying levels of effectiveness when used as part of total cancer care.
The Society for Integrative Oncology, in conjunction with research from multiple cancer centers, recently updated its guidelines about which therapies are most effective and safe (the studies they reviewed focused primarily on breast cancer patients). SIO found that meditation had some of the strongest scientific evidence for reducing anxiety, mood disturbances and depressive symptoms, plus improving quality of life. When you meditate, you train yourself to bring your mental processes under greater voluntary control.
SIO also found that patients who engaged in music therapy, yoga, stress management techniques and massage also saw similar benefits. In addition to potentially providing noteworthy benefits, these therapies are virtually risk-free.
Acupuncture. Acupuncture uses tiny metal needles to stimulate specific points in the body. “[It] is a treatment modality that is within a system of medicine known as East Asian Medicine , or traditional Chinese medicine ,” says Janet L. Borges, a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine at Thunderbolt Wellness. “This is a complete medical system, with its own diagnostic theories and treatment protocols that have been in continuous use for thousands of years.”
In random controlled trials (the gold standard for medical studies), researchers found that acupuncture is effective for relieving chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and may help manage cancer-related pain, neutropenia (a serious condition caused by low white blood cell count), cancer fatigue and radiation-induced dry mouth (xerostomia).
“In my clinical practice, the primary [cancer] symptoms I have treated are nausea and vomiting, constipation, pain management, quality of life, fatigue, anxiety and insomnia,” Borges says. “I have also been asked to support [patients] with end-of-life transitions.” She continues: “Acupuncture is generally very safe with little to no side effects when performed by a licensed practitioner,” Borges says. “It may not be appropriate if you are experiencing low white blood cell counts, because of the risk of infection, or low platelet counts, because of the risk of bleeding. However, licensed acupuncturists use only sterile, single-use, disposable needles as required by law, which greatly reduces these types of risks.”
Borges says most people experience little to no pain with needle insertion or removal, although they may develop a small local bruise at the needle site, which will disappear within a day or two. You may feel fatigued or sleepy following treatment, but you can alleviate this with hydration, food and rest.
[See: 10 Reasons You Should Try Self-Massage.]
Physician Involvement Is Important
Despite its widespread use in cancer centers, and patients’ apparent interest, not all doctors embrace these integrative therapies, Morrison says. She encourages patients to have a voice in their care and tell their doctor if they’re interested.
Having the support and awareness of your oncologist is important. Some botanical and nutritional products are not safe for cancer patients. For example, St. John’s Wort, which is used for depression, may interfere in the effectiveness of certain anti-cancer drugs. Even vitamins in large doses can interfere in cancer treatment. In fact, a study on vitamin E for prostate cancer prevention found that men who took vitamin E had higher rates of prostate cancer than those who took a placebo.
“It’s imperative that a potential patient who has been diagnosed with cancer be concurrently working with an oncologist,” Borges says. “I require that their oncologist be supportive of their choice to include complementary care with their regular treatment protocol. Most often [in my practice] this will be limited to acupuncture, but in some cases, if appropriate, herbal therapy [herbs combined in formulas] may also be clinically beneficial.”
[See: What Causes Cancer? 5 Unlikely Claims Explained.]
Take advantage of integrated therapy programs your hospital offers, or find an outside professional who is properly licensed and has experience treating people with cancer. “I recommend having an introductory consult with a practitioner to determine their level of experience, as well as finding someone with whom you are comfortable sharing your history and treatment goals,” Borges says.
More from U.S. News
10 Reasons You Should Try Self-Massage
6 Options for People Who Don’t Want a Colonoscopy
11 Screening Tests You Should (or Shouldn’t) Consider
Integrative Therapies for Cancer Care originally appeared on usnews.com
