Patients - Support Services

Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Cancer Care

Complementary therapies include a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies. Therapies may be used in an effort or prevent illness, reduce stress, prevent or reduce side effects and symptoms, or control disease. Complementary therapies are oftentimes termed "holistic" and include physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.

There is increasing public interest in the topic and according to a recent National Cancer Institute (NCI) survey, more than 60% of physicians recommended complementary therapies to their patients at least once. Premier cancer centers across the country, including the Cancer Therapy and Research Center, have instituted programs to promote wellness through complementary therapy.

Visit these sites to start your search about Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

National Cancer Institute; Office of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
http://occam.nci.nih.gov/

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/