Topics in Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies (PDQ®)–Patient Version

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Overview

This summary gives a brief description of some of the integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies used by people with cancer. Links to additional information, references, and resources on the NCI website are provided in this summary. This summary does not include all integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes many different kinds of therapies, botanicals, and dietary supplements. Complementary medicine is treatment that is used along with standard treatments but is not considered standard. Alternative medicine is treatment that is used instead of standard treatments. In general, less research has been done for CAM than for standard treatments. Integrative therapy is medical care that combines standard care with CAM practices.

The 2007 National Health Interview Survey reported that about 4 out of 10 adults use a CAM therapy. Natural products and deep breathing exercises were the most common. One large survey reported on the use of complementary therapies in cancer survivors. The therapies used most often were prayer and spiritual practice, relaxation, faith and spiritual healing, and nutritional supplements and vitamins.

CAM therapies are used often to treat children with cancer, both inside and outside of clinical trials. CAM therapies have been used to treat side effects caused by cancer or cancer treatment. Cancer patients sometimes choose alternative medicine over standard treatment; however, alternative medicine does not work as well as standard medicine to treat cancer. In Asian countries, traditional Chinese medical therapies are often used along with standard therapy.

One study showed that when cancer patients and their doctors talked about CAM therapy, it was most often brought up by the patient. Both the patient and the doctor were more satisfied with the visit when they talked about CAM therapy.

This cancer information summary gives a brief description of integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies found in PDQ Cancer Information Summaries or Fact Sheets from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Links are included to take you to the specific PDQ summary or NCI Fact Sheet for more information about each topic. See NCI's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine for links to other resources.

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Acupuncture