Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Along with the standard therapies that physicians prescribe to treat breast cancer, a number of unproven approaches have attracted public attention, either as means of attacking the cancer itself or of improving the patient's quality of life. These treatments include herbal or vitamin preparations, dietary supplements, various chemicals, acupuncture, and massage therapy. When such treatments are used along with standard medical care, they are called complementary. When they take the place of standard care, they are called alternative. A number of studies are now underway to investigate the value of some of these therapies in the treatment of breast cancer.

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Some complementary treatments have shown merit in helping cancer patients feel more comfortable and in countering the side effects of standard therapies. Before using any of them, however, patients should talk with their physicians to be sure that the additional therapies are safe, can be used along with the standard treatments without reducing their effectiveness, and will not cause troublesome side effects.

Although some complementary treatments are gaining acceptance, alternative therapies used in place of regular medical care pose serious dangers. A patient who opts for alternative therapies in lieu of regular treatment will not gain the benefits of proven methods of care. In addition, alternative treatments may use substances that can be harmful in themselves.