7 reasons people feel a need for complementary and alternative cancer treatments

Recently, complementary and alternative medicine methodshave clearly attracted much more interest. What are the reasons?

1. Seeking complete recovery, particularly in metastatic (stage 4) cancer

Some cancer patients believe that using certain alternative treatments instead of standard cancer treatment may help control and treat the disease.

The desire to use alternative treatments is more pronounced in patients with stage 4 cancer, where standard treatments cannot promise a complete cure. Hopelessness and tension are observed in these patients, alongside belief that alternative treatments will save their lives.

There is no scientific evidence that alternative treatments control or cure cancer. Many have not been established as safe and can cause dangerous side effects.

2. Feeling better

People generally turn to complementary therapies to feel better and cope with cancer. Many aim to promote relaxation and reduce stress. They may also regulate emotions, relieve worry and anxiety and improve overall health. Many doctors, cancer nurses and researchers know that positive emotions benefit health.

3. Reducing side effects

Recent research suggests complementary therapies may help relieve cancer treatment side effects. For example, acupuncture may alleviate nausea, vomiting and fatigue caused by some chemotherapy drugs, and treatment-induced dry mouth in head and neck cancers.

Acupuncture also helps relieve pain following removal of neck lymph nodes.

4. Supporting positive thinking

Positive thinking is very important for people fighting cancer. Even if your doctor says treatment may be very difficult, you should want recovery and not lose hope.

5. Wanting to improve immune system effectiveness

Many people believe certain complementary therapies can improve immunity and help fight cancer. Scientific evidence suggests feeling good and reducing stress can strengthen the immune system. However, its effect on cancer control is unknown. Clinical studies investigating this continue.

6. Natural and healing treatments attract patients

Most patients use complementary therapies because they think they are natural and nontoxic. Some may help relieve side effects. However, how they interact with cancer drugs is unclear. Many alternative treatments are known to interact adversely with standard conventional cancer treatment. Some herbal treatments increase side effects.

Others reduce the effectiveness of standard cancer treatments. Always consult your doctor before using complementary or alternative therapies.

7. Wanting a say over the disease and its treatment

Most patients feel they take a more active role in treatment when using complementary therapies. They also say they decide which therapy to use and how often. Complementary therapies may help patients feel more in control.