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| Guidelines For Using Complementary and Alternative Methods | |
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What are complementary and alternative methods? "Complementary" and "alternative" are terms used to describe a number of products, practices, and systems that are not part of mainstream medicine. They can include things like herbs and dietary supplements, body movement, spiritual approaches, pills, extracts, and creams or ointments. Some are done by a person with formal education and training, such as art therapy. Others may be recommended by the person who is selling the product in a store or on the Internet, such as herbs or other dietary supplements. The methods can involve everything from enemas, like colon therapy, to no-touch "energy work" such as reiki. Some take a lot of time or cost a lot of money, such as strict diets or travel to another country for special treatments. Others are fairly cheap and easy to use, like vitamins or homeopathy. Some can be done at home on your own, such as meditation and prayer, and others require another person to give them, like massage or acupuncture. Some almost never cause harm, while others can be dangerous and have caused deaths. You may hear about one or more of these treatments from friends, family, co-workers, salespeople, and others. The treatment may be something you've never heard of before, and it can be hard to get good, unbiased information about it. Here we will go over what you need to know before you decide to try one of these unconventional treatments. We will give you some ideas about how to look at these methods and what questions you might want to ask as you think about what might be best for you. It may also help you find out more about the treatments that interest you. The American Cancer Society considers complementary and alternative medicine to be different from each other: Alternative medicine is used instead of standard or mainstream medical treatment, often with serious outcomes for the patient. Complementary medicine is used along with mainstream medical care. If carefully chosen and properly used, some of these can improve your quality of life. People with cancer might think about using alternative and complementary methods for a number of reasons:
The decision to use alternative or complementary methods is an important one, and it is yours to make. We have put together some guidelines to help you think through the issues and make the most informed and safest decision possible. What are the risks of not using mainstream cancer treatment? Mainstream cancer treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery can be unpleasant. But they have been scientifically tested and proven to work for treating cancer. Even though the side effects of mainstream cancer treatment can be serious, the treatments are helping you fight a life-threatening disease. Cancer patients who choose alternative medicine instead of mainstream cancer treatments may be putting themselves at serious risk. They are giving up the only proven methods of treating their disease. Delays or interruptions in standard treatment pose a dangerous risk to cancer patients because they can give the cancer more time to grow. Even when cancer has reached a stage where cure is not possible, it is important to remember that mainstream care can offer a lot in the way of comfort. How are complementary methods used to manage cancer? Some people believe that mainstream medicine is the only option they have when it comes to treating symptoms and side effects, relieving pain, and improving quality of life. Actually, there are many complementary treatment methods you can use safely, right along with your medical treatment. For example, some people find that certain complementary methods -- such as aromatherapy, biofeedback, massage therapy, meditation, tai chi, or yoga -- are very useful to help control some of their symptoms and improve the quality of their lives. But these methods do not treat the cancer. Some cancer treatment centers offer some of these complementary therapies on-site. When complementary treatments are offered along with mainstream care, it is called integrative therapy. That means you get can get safe complementary treatments at your cancer treatment center without having to go out and find them yourself. How do I talk to my doctor about alternative or complementary methods? Many cancer patients are a bit afraid to discuss complementary or alternative methods with their doctors. It's true that many doctors may not know about the uses, risks, and potential benefits of these unconventional treatments. This lack of knowledge can widen the gap between patient and doctor when it comes to using complementary methods along with regular cancer treatment. But this doesn't have to stop you. You can help bridge the gap in a number of ways:
What questions should I ask about complementary and alternative methods that I might be thinking about using? Here are some good questions to ask about alternative or complementary treatments:
How can I spot fraud and questionable treatments? Along with the above questions, use the following checklist to help you avoid falling for fraudulent treatments. Keep in mind that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or nurse before moving ahead.
If you suspect fraud, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is listed in the blue pages of the phone book under "US Government." Look under the heading, "Health and Human Services." Or visit their Web site at www.fda.gov. Will my insurance cover alternative or complementary therapies? Many insurance companies are starting to cover some of the more widely accepted complementary methods of treatment. Many major insurers, including Blue Cross and Medicare, cover one or more complementary methods of treatment. Acupuncture and chiropractic therapy are the ones most often covered. Contact your insurance company to find out what services are covered by your plan. If possible, get your doctor to write you a referral or a recommendation for the complementary therapy you are thinking about. Many insurance companies require that the method be shown to be reasonable and medically necessary, and it may help later on to have your doctor's recommendation. Insurance companies usually will not cover methods that have not been proven to be helpful for the illness or symptom you have. It's your call The choice to use complementary or alternative methods is yours. You can use them more safely if you:
To learn more about any treatment, please call us to find out what information we have to help you make your decision. Or visit our Web site at www.cancer.org. Additional resources More information from your American Cancer Society We have selected some related information that may also be helpful to you. These materials may be ordered from our toll-free number, 1800-227-2345. Along with the above, information on many different types of complementary and alternative treatments are available at no cost to you from the American Cancer Society. You can find them on our Web site or request from our toll-free number as noted above. Books The following book is available from the American Cancer Society. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 to ask about costs or to place your order. National organizations and Web sites* Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources of information and support include: National Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Memorial Sloan
Kettering Cancer Center The University
of Texas MD Anderson Center National Cancer
Institute United States
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Information Center United States
Food and Drug Administration National Council
Against Health Fraud Quackwatch *Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by the American Cancer Society. No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or night, for information and support. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. References Federal Trade Commission Facts for Consumers. 'Miracle' health claims: add a dose of skepticism. Accessed at: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/health/hea07.shtm on May 22, 2009. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. About Clinical Trials and Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Accessed at: http://nccam.nih.gov/research/clinicaltrials/factsheet/ on May 28, 2009. Paula Kurtzweil. US Food and Drug Administration. How to Spot Fraud. November 1999. Accessed at: www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1999/699_fraud.html on May 28, 2009. Last Medical Review: 06/11/2009 |