The short answer
Complementary approaches — like meditation, acupuncture, yoga, or massage — are used alongside standard cancer treatment to help manage symptoms and improve well-being. They should complement, not replace, proven treatment, and be discussed with your care team.
Complementary medicine is used alongside standard cancer treatment, not instead of it.
Integrative medicine combines standard care with evidence-informed complementary approaches.
Approaches like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and massage can help manage symptoms.
'Alternative' medicine used instead of standard treatment can be harmful.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Complementary and integrative approaches — like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, or massage — are used alongside standard cancer treatment to help manage symptoms and improve well-being. The key is that they complement proven treatment, not replace it.
Complementary vs. alternative
The words matter. Complementary medicine is used together with standard treatment. Alternative medicine is used instead of it — which can be harmful, because it may mean skipping treatment that works. Integrative medicine combines standard care with evidence-informed complementary approaches.
Used alongside treatment: complementary. Used instead of treatment: alternative — and potentially harmful.
What can help
Some complementary approaches can help manage stress, nausea, pain, fatigue, and anxiety, and improve quality of life. Examples many people find helpful include meditation, gentle yoga, acupuncture, and massage.
Use them safely
Always tell your care team about any supplements, herbs, or therapies you use or are considering, because some can interfere with cancer treatment. Many cancer centers offer integrative medicine services that coordinate these approaches with your care.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What is complementary medicine?
Complementary medicine refers to approaches used together with standard cancer treatment — such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, or massage — to help manage symptoms and improve well-being.
▸How is it different from alternative medicine?
Complementary approaches are used alongside standard treatment. 'Alternative' medicine is used instead of standard treatment, which can be harmful because it may mean skipping care that works.
▸Can these approaches help?
Some can help manage symptoms like stress, nausea, pain, and fatigue and improve quality of life. They support standard treatment rather than replacing it.
▸Are supplements safe?
Not always. Some supplements can interfere with cancer treatment. Always tell your care team about any supplements, herbs, or therapies you are using or considering.
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