Complimentary & Alternative Therapies
There is great interest today in complementary and alternative treatments
for cancer. Lots of people find them helpful and beneficial during
their illness. The way cancer is treated often depends on the culture
and environment of the country in which you live. In Ireland cancer
treatments are based on scientific research. This allows the response
to treatment, side-effects and the general effect of treatment to
be predicted.
You may hear about the following types of treatments or therapies.
Conventional
therapies
Conventional therapies are treatments which doctors use most often
to treat people with cancer. These standard treatments include surgery,
radiotherapy, chemotherapy and biological treatments. They use tried
and trusted methods where the experience with patients is over a
long period of time. Many of these treatments have been tested in
clinical trials.
Complementary
therapies
Complementary therapies are treatments that are sometimes given
together with conventional treatment. They include therapies such
as:
- Meditation
- Relaxation
- Visualisation
- Gentle massage
- Aromatherapy
- Reflexology
- Music, art and dance therapy
- Nutrition therapy
- Shiatsu
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Hypnotherapy.
Many people find that complementary therapies are very helpful in
a number of ways. You may feel more positive about yourself and
your illness. You may be better able to cope with the physical side-effects
of cancer and the distressing emotions that cancer can often bring.
Some complementary therapies also focus on the spiritual dimension
of a person. This can aid healing and promote a sense of well-being.
Nowadays complementary therapies are often provided in hospitals,
cancer treatment centres and support centres and can be given safely.
Alternative therapies
Alternative therapies are not conventional cancer treatments used
by doctors. Generally they are treatments used instead of conventional
treatments. Alternative therapies include:
- Diet therapy
- Megavitamin therapy
- Herbalism
Because these
therapies are not based on scientific evidence it is very hard to
prove if they are generally effective or not. Many doctors do not
believe that such treatments can cure or control cancer. They believe
they should not be taken instead of conventional treatments.
Alternative
treatments can interfere with standard treatment and may not be
managed properly. At present in Ireland this is an unregulated area
with no register of certified practitioners. For this reason, you
should ensure that the alternative practitioners you plan to visit
are qualified and have a good reputation. It is best to discuss
your plans with your doctor too.
If you decide to have complementary or alternative treatments
Before you decide to change your treatment or add any methods of
your own, be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse. Some methods
can be safely used along with standard medical treatment. But others
can interfere with standard treatment or cause serious side-effects.
For that reason, it is important to talk openly with your GP or
oncologist if you are thinking of having treatment with either a
complementary or alternative practitioner. Don't be afraid
that your doctor will be offended by your wish for other treatments.
In fact, he or she may be able to recommend therapies that could
be safe and useful for you.
Be cautious in selecting a practitioner. Don't be misled by
promises of cures. Ensure that the practitioners you plan to visit
are qualified and have a good reputation. Check to see if they belong
to a professional body or not. If you are unsure but would like
to know what other patients have found helpful, contact your doctor
or a patient support group. Also, it is important to make sure that
the practitioner is charging a fair price for your treatment.
More information is available in a free booklet from the Irish Cancer
Society called Cancer and Complementary Therapies. If you would
like a copy or more advice, call the National Cancer Helpline 1800
200 700 .
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