Women living with breast cancer often explore complementary therapies to feel better and improve their quality of life. Complementary therapies are non-traditional interventions used together with conventional medicine.
Complementary therapies are not to be confused with alternative therapies, which are used instead of standard medical treatment.
These non-traditional approaches may include:
- Massage therapy
- Naturopathic medicine
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathic medicine
- Culturally-based healing practices
- Others
Before you choose a complementary therapy as part of your cancer care:
- Find as much information as you can about the therapy
- Talk to your health care team about the therapy before you start it
- Tell your cancer doctor about any supplements or vitamins you are taking or thinking about taking. Some complementary therapies can interact with medication
- After surgery, it is important to check with your health care team before you begin any exercise program, such as yoga
Complementary therapies are often not regulated. When choosing a therapist look for:
- A therapist who has been in practice for some time and who has received specific training in their field
- Ask others about their experience with a certain therapy or therapist. “Word of mouth” may help you make your decision
- Ask about their experience working with someone who has been diagnosed with cancer
Always discuss your medical history with a complementary health practitioner. Include:
- Your diagnosis
- Information about past treatment
- Information about treatment you are taking now or will take in the future
- Suggestions made by anyone on your health care team (oncologists, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, etc.)
Some complementary therapies are covered by extended health care insurance. Check your plan to see if you are covered.
Aborigonal people may want to combine traditional medicine with western medicine as part of their cancer treatment. Discuss with your health care team what healing activities are important to you. It will help you understand how they may or may not affect your treatment.
Candian Cancer Society, www.cancer.ca