Some women with breast cancer use complementary and alternative medicine healing approaches to reduce stress or to reduce side effects and symptoms:
- An approach is generally called complementary medicine when it is used in addition to treatments prescribed by a doctor.
- An approach is called alternative medicine when it is used instead of a standard treatment.
Some common types of complementary and alternative medicine are acupressure, acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, vitamins or special diets, visualization, meditation, and spiritual healing. Many women report that such approaches help them feel better.
However, some types of complementary and alternative medicine may interfere with or may be harmful when used with treatments prescribed by a doctor. Before trying any of these therapies, a woman should discuss their possible benefits and risks with her doctor.
Some types of complementary and alternative medicine may be expensive. Health insurance may not cover the cost.
