Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Some people with cancer use
complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) to
ease stress or to reduce side effects and symptoms:
Acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, vitamins or special diets,
visualization, meditation, and spiritual healing are types of CAM. Many people
say that such approaches help them feel better.
However, some types of CAM may interfere with standard treatment. Combining CAM
with standard treatment may even be harmful. Before trying any type of CAM, you
should discuss its possible benefits and risks with your doctor.
Some types of CAM are expensive. Health insurance may not cover the cost.
The NCI offers a fact sheet called
"Complementary and Alternative Medicine in
Cancer Treatment: Questions and Answers."
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