Download or Print PDF

Choosing a complementary therapy

Below are some suggested steps for choosing a complementary therapy:

Weigh up the different types of therapies

Think about what you expect to gain from using complementary therapies. Which therapies are suitable for treating the issue you want help with?
Consider possible side effects and safety issues of the different therapies you are interested in. Are there any reasons why you shouldn’t use them?
Consider whether you prefer to use complementary therapies with strong scientific evidence, or whether anecdotal evidence is enough for you.
Find out what therapies are offered at your hospital or treatment centre.
Ask how much the various therapies cost.

Find out more about different therapies

Gather information about the effectiveness of the therapy. Consider whether the evidence is accurate, up to date, and comes from a reliable source.
Borrow books from a library or read about therapies on trustworthy websites.
Ask the therapist about the quality of the product and how it is regulated.
Talk to other people who have tried these treatments, for example, at a cancer support group or through Cancer Council Online Community.
Write down any questions you have or use this question checklist.

Discuss your concerns

Talk to your therapist or doctor about the therapies you would like to try, and whether there are any potential interactions with your conventional treatments or other side effects you should be aware of.
Get a second opinion if you are not happy with the information you receive.

Call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to find out more about using complementary therapies as part of your cancer care.

Meditation and Relaxation Podcast

Listen to more of our meditation and relaxation podcast for people affected by cancer

Key resource

Download a PDF booklet on this topic.

Understanding Complementary Therapies

Download PDF542kB

More resources

This information was last reviewed in January 2023. View who reviewed this content.

Dr David Joske, Clinical Haematologist, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and PathWest, Chairman and Founder Solaris Cancer Care Foundation, Clinical Professor of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, WA; Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA); Dr Robert Blum, Clinical Director, Cancer Services, Bendigo Health, NSW; Sally Brooks, Senior Pharmacist, Medicines Information, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Prof Danforn Lim, Adjunct Professor and Advisory Board Member, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, and Adjunct Professor, UTS, NSW; Christina Line, Statewide Services Senior Coordinator, Cancer Council WA; Jen McKenzie, Physiotherapist (Lymphoedema) and ESSA Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The McKenzie Clinic, QLD; Simone Noelker, Wellness Centre and Pastoral Care Manager, Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Nirzari Pandit, General Practitioner, RACGP Specific Interests Integrative Medicine Group, NSW; Georgie Pearson, Consumer; Cris Pirone, Counsellor, Cancer Council SA; Dr Elysia Thornton-Benko, Specialist General Practitioner, and UNSW Research Fellow, NSW; Kirsty Trebilcock, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.

Need to talk?

Call 13 11 20 to talk to a health professional Or email us your questions.

Support services

Coping with cancer?
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum

Looking for transport, accommodation or home help?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment

Cancer information

Dealing with the diagnosis
Common reactions to a cancer diagnosis and how to find hope

Explore our resource hub
Explore and download our booklets, fact sheets, podcasts, webinars and videos for people affected by cancer