A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1993 (Eisenberg et al., 328:246) revealed that one third of Americans research and use nontraditional medical alternatives, often without apprising their physicians. The National Institutes of Health has funded and operates an Office of Alternative Medicine to support the research of alternative treatment approaches. Rather than use the word "alternative", for the purposes of this discussion, we choose to use the word "complementary" therapy for possible use as an adjunct and not a substitution for conventional therapy. The following is a list of complementary therapies that are commonly sought out and discussed by cancer patients and others wishing to explore ways to maximize their conventional treatment protocols, to minimize the side effects of therapy and to bolster the immune system. Patients are encouraged to discuss all treatment conventional and complementary, with their health care team.

• Nutritional Approaches -- Macrobiotics, Diet, Nutritional Supplements and Immunotherapy 
• Physical Approaches -- Exercise, Massage, Chiropractic and Therapeutic Touch 
• Traditional Chinese Medicine -- Acupuncture, Acupressure, Herbal Medicine and Energy Medicine (Qi Gong) Homeopathy 
• Unconventional Pharmacological Therapies (e.g., Antineoplastins, Hydrazine Sulfate, etc.) Chelation Therapy 
• Spiritual Approaches -- Prayer, Meditation, etc.
• Psychosocial Approaches -- Stress Management, Support Groups, Peer Support, Individual and Family Counseling 
• Biofeedback Immunotherapy Hyperthermia Magnetic Field Therapy

The main source of information for this section, the tips, and the decision-making guide is from the Breast Buddy Volunteer Curriculum © 1994.

Last Updated: 02/12/2003

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