Complementary therapies
These therapies are widely used alongside conventional treatments. Examples include acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, mindfulness meditation, relaxation, tai chi, art therapy and music therapy.
| Safety of complementary therapies | Many complementary therapies have been shown to be safe to use alongside conventional cancer treatments. Others are being scientifically tested. |
| Benefits of complementary therapies | Complementary therapies may help you manage side effects of treatment, increase your sense of control, decrease anxiety and improve your quality of life. |
| Talk to your doctor | Let your doctor know about any complementary therapies you are using or thinking about trying. This includes over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements and vitamins. Depending on the conventional medicines you are taking, some complementary therapies may cause reactions or unwanted side effects. |
| Find a qualified therapist | Your doctor may be able to refer you to a qualified therapist who is experienced in working with cancer survivors and understands the role of complementary therapies in cancer care. |
| Talk to your therapist | Make sure to tell the complementary therapist about your cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some therapies may need to be adjusted to avoid interactions with your conventional medicines or treatments. |
Alternative therapies
These therapies are different from complementary therapies. They are used instead of conventional treatments.
Many alternative therapies have not been scientifically tested, so there is no proof they stop cancer growing or spreading. Others have been tested and shown not to be effective.
While side effects of alternative treatments are not always known, some are serious. Cancer Council does not recommend the use of alternative therapies. Visit cancer.org.au/iheard to get the facts.
See Complementary therapies for information about how different complementary therapies can help.
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Key resource
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More resources
Prof Michael Jefford, Medical Oncologist and Director, Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC (clinical review); Lucy Bailey, Nurse Counsellor, Cancer Council Queensland; Philip Bullas, Consumer; Dr Kate Gunn, Clinical Psychologist and Senior Research Fellow, Department of Rural Health, University of South Australia, SA; Rosemerry Hodgkin, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Prof David Joske, Clinical Haematologist, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Clinical Professor of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, WA; Kim Kerin-Ayres, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cancer Survivorship, Concord Hospital, NSW; Sally Littlewood, Physiotherapist, Seymour Health, VIC; Georgina Lohse, Social Worker, GV Health, VIC; Melanie Moore, Exercise Physiologist and Clinical Supervisor, University of Canberra Cancer Wellness Clinic, ACT; June Savva, Senior Clinician Dietitian, Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash Cancer Centre, Monash Health, VIC; Dr Elysia Thornton-Benko, Specialist General Practitioner and Research Fellow, University of New South Wales, NSW; Prof Janette Vardy, Medical Oncologist, Concord Cancer Centre and Professor of Cancer Medicine, The University of Sydney, NSW; Lyndell Wills, Consumer.
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