Alternative Medicines and Cancer

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used among cancer patients throughout the world. Noninvasive therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, spiritual healing, and meditation are most common, and the use of dietary supplements is rapidly gaining popularity.

Recent research has suggested that between 25% and 84% of US cancer patients have used CAM therapies at some point after their diagnosis.

There are many alternative medicines that claim to shrink tumors but none have been proven at this stage. It's important to realize that CAM may be more helpful in relieving symptoms and side effects of treatments than in actually shrinking tumors.

Unfortunately, several CAM ingredients can interfere with the workings of other drugs, particularly cancer drugs, which have a narrow opportunity to achieve success. This can lead to decreased activity of the cancer drug.

The authors of recent studies report that cancer patients should be warned of possible interactions. They said that the common view that such products were harmless needed to be corrected, and regulations covering internet advertising and sales needed to be implemented.

Despite this finding, reputable naturopaths will provide remedies that will work alongside cancer drugs to increase their effectiveness, and reduce negative side effects of cancer drugs.

Remember: You should discuss the use of alternative therapies with your doctor or a reputable naturopath, so that you are aware of possible interactions with cancer drugs.

Source: Oncologist 2006; 11;732-741
http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/cgi/reprint/11/7/732