Complementary therapies

Some people use complementary therapies alongside other cancer treatments to help them feel better or to relieve symptoms or side effects. Complementary therapies don’t claim to cure cancer. Some have been scientifically tested to check how effective and safe they are. Talk to your hospital staff if you want to try a complementary therapy.

Being in hospital and having treatment can be scary and you may become stressed and anxious. Complementary therapies can play a part in supporting you through treatment by offering relaxation and calmness.

Complementary therapies are used alongside a patient’s standard medical treatment. They do not treat or cure cancer but can offer relief from symptoms and help promote feelings of emotional and physical wellbeing.

Complementary therapies can be used to:

  • help you cope with the side effects of cancer treatments such as feeling sick, pain and tiredness
  • help you to comfort yourself and ease the fear and stress of a cancer diagnosis
  • help you to feel you are doing something to help with your care and wellbeing
  • help you sleep better
  • trigger the release of feel-good hormones to help you feel better and more peaceful.

Finding a complementary therapist

Complementary therapy for under 18's is not as readily available as it is for adults so finding an experienced practitioner may take a little time.

Within NHS hospitals - A free complementary therapy service may be available within your main treatment centre or local shared care centre. Your nurse specialist or keyworker will be able to tell you more about what is available.

Cancer support centres, hospices and charities - Your hospital’s information centre may have local information on what might be available. You can also ask your GP, hospice, local support services and local voluntary organisations who may offer free complementary therapies.

Private sessions - You can also search locally for private therapists but a cost will be involved. It is a good idea to check the credentials of the therapist to ensure they have received the correct training and have experience of working with cancer patients.

In the UK, complementary therapists are not regulated by law, however the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) was set up with government support to protect the public by providing a UK voluntary register of complementary therapists for selected therapies.

Treatment

The treatment you have will depend on the type of cancer you have. Your doctors will choose the treatment that is best for the type of cancer you have. You may have more than one type of treatment.

Living with cancer

Having cancer will affect all areas of your life. This section has information about coping with everyday life during your cancer treatment.

Coping with changes to your body

Cancer and its treatments can affect how you look. Some changes are temporary, such as losing your hair during chemotherapy. But even if you know some side effects won’t last, it doesn’t mean they will be easier to deal with.

Cancer, sex and relationships

This information is about cancer, sex and relationships. It is for teenagers and young people who are having or have had cancer treatment. It may also help carers, family members and friends.

Fertility

This section is about how cancer and its treatment can affect your fertility. It is for teenagers and young people who need information about this before, during or after cancer treatment. It may also help carers, family members and friends.