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Complementary therapies that may help people with cancer

These therapies do not treat cancer

At this time, scientific evidence has not proven that any of these therapies is an effective treatment for cancer. They are included because there is some proof that they may be helpful as complementary therapies to conventional cancer treatment.

All of the information below is general – everyone’s situation is different. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying any complementary therapy

Complementary therapies can be grouped in different ways. For example, acupuncture is part of a larger medical system known as traditional Chinese medicine while hypnosis is a type of mind-body therapy. To keep things simple, we have listed them alphabetically, rather than by what system they are part of. Below is a list of the most common complementary therapies that are used by people with cancer.

Acupuncture

Hypnosis

 

Aromatherapy

 

Massage therapy

Art therapy

 

Meditation

 

Biofeedback 

 

Music therapy

 

Energy medicine

 

Tai chi

 

Guided imagery

Yoga 

 

It’s important to find a path that feels right for you – the right therapy, the right level of commitment and the right practitioner. Remember that your need may change over time. Every once in a while, you might want to look at how the therapies you have chosen are working for you. Your doctor may be able to help you with this.

The evidence for complementary therapies is changing all the time. To stay up to date on the latest information, you can e-mail us or call our Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

Last modified on:  10 February 2010

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