Complementary & alternative therapies

Monday 2 February, 2009

Reviewed: A/P Michael Jefford,Consultant Medical Oncologist, Peter Mac; Dr Raymond Snyder, Director of Oncology, St Vincent's Hospital; Beth Wilson, Health Services Commissioner, Victoria; Dr Amanda Hordern, Director, Cancer Information and Support Service. Developed with funding from the Victorian Department of Human Services.

This information is for people with cancer and their carers and families who would like to know more about complementary therapies and alternative therapies for cancer. These are sometimes referred to as ‘unproven cancer therapies' or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

For most people, a cancer diagnosis comes as a huge shock. It can bring uncertainty and confusion about which treatment might be best for you. Your specialist cancer doctors will recommend treatment that has been proven to cure or control your type of cancer. Most people accept these recommendations and feel confident to begin treatment as soon as possible.

You may also hear about other treatment approaches known as complementary therapies. Research shows about one-third of people with cancer use some sort of complementary therapy at some time during their illness. When used alongside your conventional cancer treatment, some of these therapies can make you feel better and improve quality of life. Others may not be so helpful and in some cases may be harmful.

A small percentage of people (1% to 2%) use alternative therapies. While the Cancer Council supports the right of individuals to seek information about complementary and alternative therapies, and respects their decision to use them, we also want their decision to be an informed one. There are significant differences between a complementary and an alternative cancer therapy. Understanding these differences will help you make the right choices about using these therapies. Refer to Understanding the terms for information.

You will probably receive lots of advice and information about different types of therapies, from your family, friends, medical professionals, health therapists, workmates, the Internet and various media sources. Some advice will be reliable and helpful; some may be confusing, false and misleading.

This information aims to help you and those close to you sort through this advice, ask useful questions and make the choices that are best for you. We hope to help you recognise which therapies may be helpful, and recognise false claims about false ‘cures'.

You may also like to read our fact sheet Complementary and alternative medicine: making informed decisions.

If you would like to talk to someone about your cancer and its treatment and receive further information, call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20. You can speak to a qualified, experienced cancer nurse who is specially trained to listen and provide information and support. See our section on Help and support.

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