The terms "complementary" and "alternative" are sometimes used to refer to non-traditional methods of diagnosing, preventing, or treating cancer or its symptoms. Here you'll find general information to help you better understand what these terms mean and how to decide if using them is right for you. You'll also find a wealth of information on specific complementary and alternative treatments, grouped into the five categories below.
You may hear the terms "alternative" or "complementary" used to refer to methods that are supposed to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer or its symptoms. You may wonder just what these terms mean.
Dietary supplements include things like vitamins, minerals, herbs, or products made from plants, animal parts, algae, seafood, or yeasts. The information here can help you learn more about dietary supplements so you can make a more informed decision about using them safely.
You may have just heard about a new or alternative form of cancer treatment. Before you put your time, your body, and your money on the line, learn more about what you are looking at so you can decide if it's worth it.
In your quest to be healthy, you may hear about something that you are told can reduce your risk of cancer -- a new way you haven't heard about before. It sounds like a good idea, and you may want to try it. Before you put your body and money on the line, find out more about it.
Learn about techniques that focus on the connections between the mind, body, and spirit, such as biofeedback, meditation, yoga, and prayer.
Get the facts about methods that involve touching, manipulation, or movement of the body, such as acupuncture, reflexology, massage, and other related therapies.
This section focuses on compounds derived from plants that are used for prevention or treatment, as well as everyday vitamins and minerals. Examples include mistletoe, black cohosh, vitamin D, selenium, and many others.
Get information on dietary practices such as fasting, juicing, and vegetarianism, as well as the latest findings on foods such as soy products and broccoli.
Learn about other non-traditional therapies sometimes touted to treat cancer, including shark cartilage, laetrile, and homeopathy.
