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  • Treatments and Side Effects

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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.

Complementary and Alternative Methods and Cancer

You may hear  about alternative or complementary methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer or its symptoms. Learn about what these terms mean and find information to help you think through the issues to make the most informed and safest decision possible. 

Dietary Supplements: What Is Safe?

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.

Evaluating New Cancer Treatments

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.

Learning About New Cancer Prevention Methods

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.

Marijuana and Cancer

Marijuana has been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Scientists have identified many biologically active components in marijuana. These are called cannabinoids. 

Placebo Effect

Even though placebos are not active medicines, they seem to help some patients. The effects of placebos may occur because the patient believes in the substance, the treatment, or the doctor. Even if a person feels better after taking a placebo, it doesn't mean the person's illness or symptoms were not real.

More Information on Complementary and Alternative Medicine

For reliable information on specific complementary and alternative methods, please see the following websites:

  • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Integrative Medicine
  • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

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