Complementary and alternative therapies

Many people notice the benefits of complementary approaches like relaxation techniques, meditation, massage, or acupuncture. These therapies can help you to manage stress, reduce treatment side effects, and improve your sense of wellbeing.

Complementary therapies can be used to treat a range of issues, and for many people with cancer, complementary therapies form a part of their mission to improve their quality of life.

Some other reasons people may use complementary therapies include:

Alternative therapies and medicines are used in place of conventional medical treatments. Many alternative therapies have not been scientifically tested so there is no verifiable proof.

of them stopping cancer from growing or spreading. Others have been tested and shown not to be effective.

Alternative therapies can also come with side effects, some of which are serious and can delay or stop the cancer being treated properly. Some alternative practitioners promote their therapies and medicines as a cure for cancer and encourage people to stop using conventional cancer treatment, which is dangerous and rarely honest.

Many complementary therapies have proven benefits – at Cancer Council Queensland, we’re supportive of any treatment or therapy that has been proven to be safe and effective.

The following list of complementary therapies, along with their proven benefits, might help you decide about whether it is right for you or someone you love.

• Meditation, relaxation and mindfulness have been proven to decrease stress and improve quality of life
• Counselling and support groups have been proven to reduce mild anxiety and depression, as well as increasing your ability to cope and your resilience levels
• Art and music therapy have been proven to help with the expression of complex feelings, and the reduction of anxiety
• Spiritual practices have been proven to decrease stress and increase resilience
• Massage can help improve quality of life, as well as reduce pain, nausea and muscle tension
• Aromatherapy has been shown to improve sleep quality
• Acupuncture has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting as a side-effect of chemotherapy
• Yoga can reduce stress and anxiety
• Hypnotherapy can reduce pain, nausea and anxiety
• Nutrition can help prevent malnutrition, as well as help with healing
• Qi Gong can improve quality of life and reduce anxiety
• Exercise can increase balance, coordination and quality of life

While a lot of complementary therapies have been proven to be safe when used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatment, it’s important to remember that some can interact with prescribed medications.

The word ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean ‘safe’.

If you’re concerned about whether a complementary therapy, you’re considering is safe to use with your specific set of treatments, please check in with your doctor before you start using it.

In the past, some doctors may not have been overly supportive of complementary and alternative therapies used in cancer treatment, but attitudes have shifted in today’s healthcare setting.

While doctors will still be cautious about anything that might interfere with your cancer treatment, you should feel comfortable having an open conversation with them about anything you’re considering.

Your doctor will be able to base their advice on current guidelines and evidence, as well as helping you understand how a potential therapy might interact with your treatment. It’s important you’re honest about any complementary and alternative therapies you’re using so your doctor can provide you with the best possible care.

Going through cancer and navigating complementary therapies can be challenging, but you’re not alone. We offer a range of support information and services to help you navigate and get through cancer and treatment, whether you’re going through cancer yourself, or if you’re a carer, family member or friend of someone who has been diagnosed.