Source: Cancer Resource Room
Conventional
Treatment, Complementary/Alternative Therapies,
and Integrated Medicine
Conventional cancer treatments are the
treatments used by doctors in medical
centers across the country. They have
been scientifically proven to treat cancer
in safe and effective ways. Examples of
conventional treatments are surgery, chemotherapy
and radiation therapy.
Complementary therapies are used together
with conventional treatments. They can
help to control symptoms and improve the
way you feel. Alternative therapies are
used instead of conventional cancer treatment
to treat disease. A therapy is defined
as complementary or alternative depending
on how it is used—combined with
conventional treatment or as a replacement
for conventional treatment. Integrative
therapies combine conventional treatment
with complementary therapies that have
been scientifically proven to be safe
and effective.
Examples of complementary/alternative therapies
are:
- Reiki
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathy
- Relaxation techniques
- Massage therapy
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Special diets
- Dietary supplements including vitamins
- Herbal products
Make the Choice That Is Right for
You
Each person’s experience with cancer
is different. What is right for one person
may not be right for another. Some people
feel complementary therapies may help
ease the side effects of cancer and its
treatment. Others believe these therapies
may strengthen the mind and body, and
speed recovery. Others feel conventional
treatment is all they need, but are pressured
by family and friends to look into other
options.
Whether you choose to combine complementary
therapy with conventional treatment is
a very personal choice. There is no right
or wrong time to consider using complementary
therapies. It is also fine not to consider
them at all. The right choice for you
is the one that makes you feel most comfortable.
Exploring the Options: How to Decide
So you want to explore complementary therapies,
but do not know which ones to choose or
where to begin. There is no one formula.
Gaining knowledge will help you narrow
the choices. Some ways to gather information
are through:
- Conversations with your healthcare
team
- Self-exploration— For example,
ask yourself, “What lifestyle
changes am I willing to make? What
benefits am I looking for?
- Independent research
- Interviews with potential complementary/alternative
therapy providers
- Talking with others who have used
complementary therapies
You may also want to meet with an expert
in complementary/alternative medicine,
especially if you are considering herbal
or vitamin products. This person can work
with you one-on-one to help you decide
which complementary therapies are right
for you. Ask your health care provider
if an expert is available where you receive
your care. If not, look for a facility
in your area that specializes in complementary/alternative
medicine.
Communication and Dialogue
Some therapies, such as relaxation techniques
and music therapy, are completely risk-free.
They will not cause you any harm. Others,
however, might not be safe, or may make
your conventional treatment less effective.
If you choose to integrate complementary
therapies into your treatment plan, you
must discuss your choices openly, honestly
and regularly with your doctor and others
on your health care team. They need to
be aware of all parts of your treatment
plan at all times.
If you have questions about the safety
and effectiveness of complementary therapies,
ask your doctor and team for their thoughts
and suggestions. They may have access
to information or knowledge that is not
available to you. If you use the services
of a complementary/alternative therapy
provider, you can suggest that he or she
communicate with your doctor and health
care team. This can be helpful, especially
when questions arise. Bringing your providers
together is a good way to make sure you
receive the best possible care.
What's New
To Search Pub Med, please see below.
Consumer
and selected health professional journals
Support
& Education Programs We know that being diagnosed with cancer can be stressful for you and your
family. We offer a variety of cancer support services to help patients and
families gain the support and information they will need to meet the challenges
ahead.
The following complementary therapies are
offered by the Cancer Center's HOPES
Program and are listed in the HOPES
calendar:
- Acupuncture
- Exercise
- Expressive arts (art and writing)
- Gentle yoga
- Healing harp music
- Humor therapy
- Music therapy
- Qigong
- Reflexology
- Relaxation massage
- Ways to relax
The Cancer Resource Room also
has information on complementary
therapy topics.
Services for cancer patients at Massachusetts
General Hospital
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