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Complementary therapies overview

Page last updated: March 2026

The information on this webpage was adapted from Understanding Complementary Therapies - A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends (2026 edition). This webpage was last updated in March 2026.

Expert content reviewers:

This information is based on international and Australian research on complementary therapies. It was developed with help from a range of health professionals:

A/Prof Geraldine McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC
Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria
A/Prof Christine Carrington, Senior Consultant Pharmacist Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Metro South Health and The University of Queensland, QLD
Kellie Giannarelli, Consumer
Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW
Vivienne Hansen, Bush and Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner, WA
Karla Jaji, Administration Officer, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW
Dr Laura Kirsten, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, NSW
A/Prof Judith Lacey, Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW
Adjunct Professor Danforn Lim, Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney, NSW
Dr David Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW
Professor Avni Sali AM, Founder and Director, National Institute of Integrative Medicine, VIC
Gillian Thompson, Consumer
A/Prof Kate Webber, Medical Oncologist, Monash Health, VIC
Tanya Wells, Integrative Oncology Consultant and Naturopath, Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group, VIC
Prof Kate White, Professor Cancer Nursing, Cancer Care Research Unit, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW

Complementary therapies are meant to be used alongside conventional treatments – the type of care you get from qualified doctors or at hospitals.

For example, you may use meditation (a complementary therapy) while having chemotherapy (a conventional treatment).

We cannot tell you which ones will be helpful for you. You need to talk to your doctors, pharmacists, and professionals qualified in the therapies before trying anything new.

If there’s no evidence about a therapy, you and your health care team should consider the possible benefits and any harm they might cause.

Alternative therapies are different to complementary therapies. Cancer Council does not recommend that people use alternative therapies to treat cancer.

How cancer is treated

Conventional medical treatments

Doctors treat cancer using proven medical treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy (radiotherapy) and drug therapies such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

These are called conventional medical treatments and are used to remove cancer, slow or stop its growth and spread, or relieve symptoms. Conventional medical treatments are based on scientific evidence.

They are carefully researched to make sure they work and are safe. This is called evidence-based medicine. Before new treatments are used, they are first tested in laboratories and then with people in large studies. This is called a clinical trial.

How complementary therapies can help

Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional medicines – they may be seen to “complement” them. There is no evidence that complementary therapies can treat or cure the cancer itself.

Complementary therapies are said to focus on the whole person, not treating cancer. This is known as holistic care. They may help manage the physical and emotional impact of cancer, or the side effects of conventional cancer treatments.

Some complementary therapies have strong evidence of benefits, but some do not.

Some are being, or have been, scientifically tested to see if they are safe for people with cancer, if they improve symptoms or side effects, and how they interact with conventional cancer treatments.

The difference between “complementary” and “alternative”

“Complementary” and “alternative” mean very different things, even though you may hear or see the terms used together, e.g. “complementary and alternative therapies”.

Cancer Council does not recommend using alternative therapies to treat cancer.

Some alternative therapies and medicines are promoted as cancer cures, and some alternative therapy practitioners may suggest stopping regular cancer treatment.

If you are thinking about this, talk with your doctor and cancer care team first.

Delaying conventional treatment to try an alternative therapy can let the cancer grow, making it harder to treat or leaving you too unwell to have treatment.

It is important to first talk to your doctor about any and all complementary or alternative therapies you are thinking about trying.

Complementary therapies

widely used alongside conventional medical treatments
help manage side effects of cancer or its treatment
can continue to be used after treatment is completed
may be scientifically researched to show they are generally safe and effective in improving the wellbeing of the person (some are, some are not)
common complementary therapies that are used alongside conventional cancer treatments are included in this booklet

Alternative therapies

used instead of conventional medical treatments
often not scientifically tested, so there may be no evidence that they do what they claim
may have been shown to be harmful to people with cancer or not to work
may interact with other medicines or have unknown side effects – some may be serious or stop successful treatment of the cancer
often expensive and not covered by Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

Key questions

Why do people use complementary therapies?

Many people in Australia use complementary therapies. The reasons they use them include to:

manage the symptoms and side effects of conventional cancer treatment, such as fatigue, nausea or pain
help manage or relieve stress and anxiety
feel more involved in their care and recovery
have greater control over decisions about their body
explore non-medical ways to improve wellbeing
help strengthen the mind and body during treatment
improve quality of life
include traditional or cultural practices.

What complementary therapies are available?

There are a wide range of complementary therapies grouped into different categories.

Some may be available at your cancer centre, hospital or from allied health professionals (such as psychologists, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists) you see.

You can also book directly with a complementary therapy provider. Many Australian cancer hospitals have wellbeing centres that offer complementary therapies with guidance from cancer experts.

However, not all cancer centres have a wellbeing centre, and many people access complementary therapies in the community instead. Reading the Individual therapies section may give you a general idea of what might interest you.

See Making informed decisions for information about choosing a therapy, a practitioner and the costs involved.

Hospital pharmacists can also provide advice on complementary therapies and how they might interact with other prescribed medicines.

Many palliative care services offer complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, massage, meditation, acupuncture and reflexology.

These can increase a person’s sense of control, decrease stress and anxiety, and improve mood.

What does “integrative” mean?

Integrative oncology is an area of cancer care that focuses on the patient with evidence-based therapies.

It uses mind and body practices, natural products, and lifestyle changes from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments.

The aim is for the best health, quality of life, and treatment results no matter what the stage of cancer care. It empowers people to be part of their care before, during and beyond cancer treatment.

Some doctors, nurses or allied health professionals work in this way and may call themselves “integrative” – for example, integrative oncologist, integrative general practitioner (GP), or integrative naturopath.

The meaning of “integrative” can vary. Not everyone who uses the term may be a trained health professional or have the proper training in conventional medicine, nursing, allied health or complementary medicine.

What are “whole medical systems”?

Many complementary therapies are part of what is called a whole medical system. In Australia, these include traditional healing practices, Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese medicine, homeopathy and naturopathy.

See Individual therapies for more information. These systems are based on ideas such as:

a healthy body needs to be balanced physically, emotionally and spiritually
sickness can have many causes
the body has a vital energy that reflects its level of wellbeing
the body can help to heal itself
health care is usually different for each person.

Which complementary therapies work?

Cancer Council supports the use of complementary therapies that have been proven to be safe and effective in clinical trials or other scientific studies to help with symptoms or general wellbeing.

If there is no strong evidence for a therapy, talk to your health care team about the possible benefits or harm it might cause.

Some therapies in this book have been scientifically shown to be safe and helpful for people with cancer. The health claims for other complementary therapies may not have strong evidence.

However, personal stories (anecdotal reports) and, in some cases, a long history of use in traditional medicine suggest that some therapies may be useful for some people.

Which therapies are safe and helpful can also vary depending on your general health, the cancer type and the treatments you may have.

What are the different categories of complementary therapies?

Mind-body practices are based on the belief that what we think and feel (e.g. stress, emotions) can affect our physical and mental wellbeing. And that physical symptoms can also affect mood and mental wellbeing. They may also be called psychological techniques, emotional therapies or spiritual healing.

B ody-based practices work directly on the body and may be called bodywork or touch therapies. Some therapies involve hands-on techniques such as massage or pressure. Others use movement to stretch and stimulate different parts of the body.

Energy therapies are based on the belief that the body has a life force or energy that can become blocked or unbalanced. Restoring flow is believed to support healing and wellbeing. This energy is known as qi in Chinese medicine and prana in Ayurvedic medicine.

Therapies using herbs and plants are used in many traditional medicine systems. They are made from the roots, leaves, berries and flowers of plants. They may contain active ingredients that cause chemical changes in the body. They are usually taken by mouth or applied to the skin.

Should I tell my doctor about the therapies I use?

Many people with cancer who use complementary therapies don’t tell their doctors, often because they worry their doctor will disapprove.

The use of complementary therapies is growing, and many doctors are now more informed about them and supportive of their use.

Some doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are trained in complementary therapies and can give you information about them. Some cancer treatment centres also offer complementary therapies.

You may think that because a therapy is “natural”, available at the health food store or not a medicine (e.g. a massage), that you do not need to tell your doctors. But some therapies may not be safe or evidence-based.

Some over the-counter medicines, herbal supplements and vitamins that you buy from a pharmacy may cause reactions, drug-to-drug interaction, make side effects worse or interfere with the success of your conventional cancer treatment.

One study found that 25% of people having chemotherapy were using complementary therapy products that may cause harmful reactions. What they thought was helpful, may have been making them feel worse.

This is why it’s important to only use therapies that are safe for you, based on your treatment, cancer type and overall health.

Talk to your doctors

It is important to discuss your interest in complementary therapies with your GP, cancer doctors and nurses. Let them know about any therapies you are using or thinking about trying.

Your pharmacist can also check for any interactions between complementary therapies and cancer treatments. Talking to your cancer care team about complementary therapies allows them to:

consider your safety and wellbeing
check for and discuss possible side effects or interactions with conventional cancer treatments (including medicines)
suggest complementary therapies that may help your symptoms
refer you to a qualified therapist experienced in working with people with cancer.

Your surgeon, medical oncologist or radiation oncologist may discuss specific concerns, such as not using particular creams or medicines at certain times during your treatment.

If you are taking herbs or nutritional supplements, your medical team may suggest that you stop taking these before, during or after particular treatments.

Talk to your complementary therapist too

It’s important to tell all of your complementary therapists that you have cancer and what conventional medical treatments and medicines you are having.

Some therapies may need to be adjusted or avoided to prevent interactions with your conventional cancer treatment. Ask your therapist what information they need from your cancer specialists.

You can ask your doctors to write a letter outlining your treatments that you can give to any therapists you see. This can help to reduce the chance of side effects or drug interactions.

What is an integrative oncology doctor?

Integrative oncology doctors or physicians are licensed medical doctors with experience helping people with cancer. They work alongside your cancer care team.

Integrative oncology doctors combine standard cancer treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, surgery, radiation) with evidencebased integrative therapies, such as mind–body therapies, nutrition advice, exercise and acupuncture.

These doctors may help you manage treatment side effects, including fatigue, pain, nausea, sleep issues and anxiety, while supporting your emotional wellbeing and quality of life.

Integrative oncology doctors recommend therapies that are safe, supported by scientific research, and are coordinated with your cancer treatment.

They can develop a personalised care plan, give reliable information, and help you take an active role in living as well as possible during and beyond cancer.

Question checklist

You may find these suggestions helpful when thinking about what to ask.

Questions to ask your doctor or treatment team

Are you familiar with complementary therapies or medicines?
Does this hospital or treatment centre offer complementary therapies?
Would you have any concerns with me using complementary therapies? If so, why and what should I do if I decide to use them?
Do you know whether the complementary medicines I want to take will interfere with my conventional treatments?
Can you recommend a complementary therapist who practises safely?
Can you give me a letter for my therapist outlining my treatment?
Will using a complementary therapy mean I can’t take part in a clinical trial for conventional treatment? Am I a likely candidate for one?

General questions to ask potential complementary therapists

What are your qualifications? Are you part of a professional association?
What training or experience do you have in treating people with cancer? Have you treated anyone with my type of cancer?
Do you work in an integrative way with conventional health practitioners?
What exactly is the therapy? How does it work?
How can this therapy help me? How long will it take to work?
Are there any precautions I should take? Or any possible side effects?
Has the therapy been tested in clinical trials? Are the findings published and available to read?
Can this therapy be used safely with conventional treatment or medicines?
Are you willing to talk to my doctors or other health professionals I see?
How will I know that the therapy is working?
Do you do home visits if I am not well enough to attend your clinic?
What is the consultation cost? Will I get a Medicare or health fund rebate?
How long are your consultations? What can I expect during a session?
How many consultations do you recommend, and how often?
Do you dispense your own medicines and supplements?
How much can I expect to pay for medicines, supplements or aids?
Have the products or medicines you dispense been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration?

Questions about specific therapies

Mind–body techniques

What type of therapist would you recommend for my concerns?
Can you refer me to a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor?

Body-based practices

Are there forms of massage or bodywork that you think could help me?
Which types of massage or bodywork, if any, should I avoid?
Are there areas of the body that a massage therapist or acupuncturist should avoid or take special care with?
What precautions, if any, should I take?
Is acupuncture safe for me?
Could I try qi gong, tai chi or yoga?
What level of exercise intensity would suit me?
Can you write a letter approving bodywork therapy for me?

Therapies based on diet

Should I see a dietitian or a nutritionist?
Are there any general dietary changes I should make?
What can I eat to improve my digestion and bowel movements?
Are there any vitamin, mineral or nutritional supplements that could help manage specific side effects or that I should take?
Are there any foods or supplements I should definitely have, or definitely avoid, during and after cancer treatment?

Therapies using herbs and plants

Are there any herbs that you would recommend for me to try during or after cancer treatment?
What dose should I take? Are there any side effects?
Are there any herbs I should avoid because of my medicines, surgery or other conventional treatments?
If I use herbal medicine, when should I take it in relation to my other medicines or conventional treatments? Is it safe to use at the same time or should I take it at a different time?
Do you think using flower remedies or homeopathy would benefit me? Are there any side effects?