Complementary therapies
Herbal medicines
Herbal treatments derived from plants or combinations of plant extracts are 'natural' but this does not necessarily mean they are safe. Some have been well evaluated and can help with some treatment related symptoms, but many herbs can interact with cancer treatments by making them more toxic or less effective. As it’s often not possible to know all the effects of herbs and possible interactions with cancer treatments, I would advise that herbal medicines be avoided during, and for a few weeks before and after, treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
About Herbs - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre Integrative Medicine website
Vitamins
Many vitamins (such as vitamins A, C and E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium) are antioxidants which can help to prevent cell damage. Whilst they may be a good thing in times of health, during cancer treatment they may in fact make the treatment less effective by making cancer cells less susceptible to damage also. For this reason I recommend that you don’t take antioxidant supplements during your treatment.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be helpful in relieving symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments such as pain, nausea, dry mouth, anxiety, hot flashes and peripheral neuropathy.
Evidence for acupuncture in cancer side effect management
Meditation
Smiling mind mindfulness app
Headspace meditation app
Mindfulness meditation for people with cancer
Centennial Park Labyrinth - Walking Meditation
Herbal treatments derived from plants or combinations of plant extracts are 'natural' but this does not necessarily mean they are safe. Some have been well evaluated and can help with some treatment related symptoms, but many herbs can interact with cancer treatments by making them more toxic or less effective. As it’s often not possible to know all the effects of herbs and possible interactions with cancer treatments, I would advise that herbal medicines be avoided during, and for a few weeks before and after, treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
About Herbs - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre Integrative Medicine website
Vitamins
Many vitamins (such as vitamins A, C and E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium) are antioxidants which can help to prevent cell damage. Whilst they may be a good thing in times of health, during cancer treatment they may in fact make the treatment less effective by making cancer cells less susceptible to damage also. For this reason I recommend that you don’t take antioxidant supplements during your treatment.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be helpful in relieving symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments such as pain, nausea, dry mouth, anxiety, hot flashes and peripheral neuropathy.
Evidence for acupuncture in cancer side effect management
Meditation
Smiling mind mindfulness app
Headspace meditation app
Mindfulness meditation for people with cancer
Centennial Park Labyrinth - Walking Meditation