Cancer: In Depth

Some complementary health approaches may help people manage cancer symptoms and side effects of treatment. For example, there’s evidence that mindfulness-based stress reduction may help cancer patients reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue and that acupuncture may help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

Complementary approaches have not been shown to be helpful in curing cancer or causing it to go into remission. They should never be used to replace or delay conventional medical treatment for cancer. Delaying conventional treatment can decrease the chances of remission or cure.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, be sure to tell your health care providers about any complementary approaches you’re using or considering, so they can make sure all aspects of your care work together. Some complementary approaches may interfere with cancer treatments or be unsafe for cancer patients.