Integrative Care During Cancer Treatment: What to Tell Your Oncology Team

Urgent first: your oncology team comes first

If you have cancer, NCCIH says you should consult your health care providers before using any complementary health approach.[1] It also says not to use unproven products or practices to replace or delay medical treatment for cancer.[1] For new or worsening symptoms during treatment, call your oncology team; in an emergency in the US, call 911. If you are having thoughts of suicide, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7/365.[2]

This page is information only. It gives no treatment, supplement, diet or dosing advice.

Complementary is not the same as alternative

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines complementary medicine as used along with standard medical treatment but not considered standard treatment by itself, and alternative medicine as used instead of standard medical treatment.[3] This page is about the first kind: care added to your cancer treatment. The second kind is covered in choosing alternative medicine instead of cancer care: what studies found.

NCCIH says no complementary health approach has been shown to prevent or cure cancer.[1] NCI adds that there are no studies proving that any special diet, food, vitamin, mineral, dietary supplement or herb can slow cancer.[3]

What published studies found about going without standard treatment

These are observational studies, which can show associations but cannot prove cause. In a US National Cancer Database study of people with curable cancers, people who chose complementary medicine had higher rates of refusing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy, and poorer 5-year survival; the authors suggested the higher risk was mediated by refusal of standard treatment.[4] A second study of 281 people who used alternative medicine as their only anticancer treatment found a greater risk of death than with conventional treatment.[5] NCCIH likewise says delayed cancer treatment reduces the likelihood of a remission or cure.[1]

What has evidence for symptoms

The guideline covered pain, not cancer itself. See integrative oncology supportive care guidelines.

What to tell your team and ask

• Tell your doctor or nurse about every supplement, even vitamins, no matter how safe you think they are.[3]
• Make a list in advance of what you take and bring it with you.[3]
• Ask: "Will this interfere with my cancer treatment?"[3]
• Ask a practitioner about training and qualifications, and whether they will work with your doctor if necessary.[3]

Licensed naturopathic physicians complete graduate-level education at an accredited school, while traditional naturopaths may be trained in non-accredited programs and cannot be licensed, according to NCCIH, and scope of practice varies by state.[8] See credentials and scope of practice and naturopathic care in cancer: supportive care versus alternative treatment.