Cancer treatment can affect much more than the body. Along with the physical side effects, many people deal with stress, poor sleep, anxiety, tiredness, and days when they simply do not feel like themselves. For this reason, some individuals may experiment with complementary treatments as part of therapy. These can be used in combination with chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other cancer treatment options to help ease some symptoms and make life a little easier. Complementary therapies are not a replacement for cancer treatment. Consider them as something extra to help them.
What are complementary therapies?
Relaxation or breathing, massage, gentle yoga, meditation, and acupuncture are some complementary therapies. Not everyone can undertake the same therapies. Other activities that may be safe may also vary during treatment depending on the type of cancer, medications, side effects, and the person's health. That is why it is advisable to seek advice from the cancer treatment team before starting a new program.
Meditation and mindfulness
The mind can get overloaded during cancer treatment. There may be appointments to remember, decisions to make around treatment, and concerns about what comes next. Meditation doesn't remove the worries, but it can provide a respite for the mind. Guided meditation or simple breathing exercises may help some people relax and reduce their level of stress. Sitting quietly for 5-10 minutes can be a good beginning.
Gentle Yoga
Yoga can be helpful for people who want to stay gently active during treatment. Simple stretching and breathing exercises can help improve flexibility and relaxation. But cancer therapy isn't the time to push through exhaustion or pain. A cancer health care professional, such as a doctor, physiotherapist, or knowledgeable yoga practitioner, can determine what is suitable.
Massage therapy
A soothing massage can relax your body, particularly when the body is tight after a long day of treatment or sitting in hospital chairs. But massage needs some extra care during cancer treatment. Surgery, radiation, a tumour, or soft bones may call for the avoidance of specific areas. It may also be advisable for individuals with specific blood or platelet disorders to avoid massage for safety reasons. If you're thinking about it, find a therapist experienced in treating individuals with cancer, and consult your healthcare team first.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the process of inserting extremely fine needles into certain points of the body. It is also used as an adjunct to cancer therapy to alleviate nausea, pain, or other cancer-related discomfort. It's not for everyone. For example, people with a low platelet count or a higher risk of infection may need to avoid it at certain times during treatment. If you are thinking about acupuncture, you should always inform your cancer team.
Breathing and relaxation exercises
The easiest things to do during treatment. Slow breathing, listening to relaxing music, learning to relax, or taking a few minutes to be quiet can help some people relax. Such techniques can also be done in the comfort of your own home and frequently require no special equipment. These will come in handy on days when it feels like it's too difficult to get to the session.
Be careful with herbs and supplements
Herbal remedies and supplements require more caution than they are given. Just because a product is natural doesn't mean it is safe for cancer treatment. Some herbs and supplements can interfere with medicines or change the way certain cancer treatments work. Before taking herbal products, traditional remedies, or a supplement, consult your oncologist or pharmacist first.
Finding what works for you
There is no single list of complementary therapies that everyone with cancer should use. Some will find meditation useful, others a soothing massage, age, or some bedtime breathing exercises. For some, the desire to have no further treatments is perfectly acceptable as well.
Ask your healthcare team:
Will this affect my cancer treatment or medicines?
Are my blood counts and other medical conditions safe?
Is there any part of my body that I should not touch?
Has the therapist had experience with cancer patients?
These conversations can help you select something that suits your treatment instead of another thing to be concerned about.