Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Breast Cancer

Complementary medicine is what we call medicines we use with standard treatment of breast cancer.  Alternative medicines are used instead of regular medical treatment.  You will want to talk to your doctor about these two alternative methods of treating your cancer.  Before you decide to go with an alternative and complementary medicine for breast cancer, you should ask your doctor some important questions.

• Do expected benefits outweigh the risks           
• What are the risks involved
• What benefits can be expected
• What side effects should I be aware of
• Will alternative and complementary medicine change the way my cancer treatment works
• Could alternative medicine be harmful
• Are there studies under way for the alternative medicine you are considering
• Important-Will your health insurance pay for this alternative or complementary approach to cancer therapy

Acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, vitamins, special diets, meditation, visualization, and spiritual healing are all types of complementary and alternative medicines.  If you are considering taking herbal products or going on a special diet for cancer treatment, your doctor should advise you about risks involved. 

Nutritional supplements legally cannot say they will cure cancer.  That is a result of governmental regulations.  However, there is bountiful scientific research proving benefits from various supplements.  The problem is the overload of information on the internet.  There are reputable websites offering valuable information.  One of our favorites is the Cancer Tutor.  Beware of fraud offers of healing from herbal mixtures that are guaranteed to cure cancer. 

Prayer and meditation will make you emotionally stronger and better able to fight breast cancer.  Never discount the power of prayer in the lives of you and your loved ones.  Miracles have been confirmed of people who have had divine intervention with their disease.  A good support system can be found in your church or place of worship, and it has been proven that faith in a higher power will give you peace and emotional stability.

Acupuncture is an ancient method of fighting illness, pain, and disease.  Many chiropractors have the ability to use acupuncture in their practice.  Massage therapy is another form of alternative or complementary medicine. 

For many women who use other methods of complementing their cancer therapy, it makes them feel better.  Some practices can change the way your traditional medicine works and could even be harmful to you.  If some of these methods are used alone, the result could be deadly.  Talk to your doctor about combining any of these methods with prescribed treatments of breast cancer. 

Some complementary and alternative methods are not covered by insurance.  You should contact your insurance carrier to discover what alternative methods of treatment their company covers.

“Thinking About Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Guide for People with Cancer” is a booklet put out by the National Cancer Institute.  This guide will help you decide if this method of treatment is right for you.  You may also seek information from the Federal Government’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  They can be reached at 1-888-644-6226, or by going to their web-site http://www.nccam.nih.gov.  You also may contact them for informational material at info@nccam.nih.gov.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be a scary and emotional time.  If you find that using meditation, massage, or other complementary medicines help you, then absolutely use them while still being treated by your doctor.