• Help cope with the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, and fatigue;
• Comfort themselves and ease the worries of cancer treatment and related stress;
• Feel that they are doing something more to help with their own care;
• Try to treat or cure their cancer.

• Complementary medicine is used along with standard medical treatments.
• One example is using acupuncture to help with side effects of cancer treatment.

• Alternative medicine is used in place of standard medical treatments.
• One example is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of a method that a cancer specialist (an oncologist) suggests.

• Integrative medicine is a total approach to care that involves the patient's mind, body, and spirit. It combines standard medicine with the CAM practices that have shown the most promise.
• For example, some people learn to use relaxation as a way to reduce stress during chemotherapy.

Some people with cancer are afraid that their doctor won't understand or approve of the use of CAM. But doctors know that people with cancer want to take an active part in their care. They want the best for their patients and often are willing to work with them.

Talk to your doctor to make sure that all aspects of your cancer care work together. This is important because things that seem safe, such as certain foods or pills, may interfere with your cancer treatment.

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