Alternative cancer treatments also called complementary treatments are non-traditional methods of diagnosing, preventing, or treating cancer. A good amount of cancer patients find these therapies as good alternatives to relieve side effects or symptoms, ease pain, and make their lives more comfortable during treatment.

Mind, body, and spirit alternative cancer treatments are non-traditional methods that promote optimistic attitude and a healthy spirit to give positive physical results. Mind-body medicine is founded on an area of care, Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). It is the study of how the mind affects the body. Psycho, being the patient’s state of thinking, mood, and emotions while Neuro, being the neurological and neuroendocrine systems of the body. Immunology pertains to the patient’s cellular structure and immune system.

The spiritual well being is another important aspect of alternative cancer treatments as it is said to be an important part of daily life many cancer patients and may be a vital part that lets them cope with cancer and its treatments. Some cancer centers give importance to spiritual or pastoral care teams that provide spiritual support for patients and their family members where patients may include spiritual counseling as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Oncology rehabilitation or “manual healing and physical touch” alternative cancer treatments include non-traditional therapy that covers, but is not limited to, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, acupuncture, and reflexology. Physical therapy aims to improve the patient’s quality of life and independence by improving physical activity and comfort. Occupational therapy is geared toward assisting and training patients to perform daily activities as independently as possible. Speech-language pathology helps patients relay their wants and needs clearly and easily, it also assists in eating and swallowing. Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that uses sterile needles applied to areas of the body called “acupoints” which stimulates energy flow or “chi”. Reflexology is a treatment which uses pressure applied to specific areas of the feet or hands aiming to relieve various problems and balance flow of vital energy throughout the body. Other therapies under oncology rehabilitation are electromagnetic therapy, heat therapy, light therapy, magnetic therapy, neural therapy, etc.

Herbs, vitamins, and minerals are used as alternative cancer treatments used in naturopathic medicine. It refers to the use of nature’s healing power to maintain and restore health. Naturopathic practitioners specialize in natural health care with the use of therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and more to support holistic being, with emphasis on building health.

Nutrition Therapy is another alternative cancer treatment that focuses on diet and nutrition. Such therapy may include fasting, juicing, and other dietary practices. Nourishing the body with healthy, well-balanced diets is a way to help in the fight against cancer. Prevention of malnutrition and provision of adequate nutrition is essential during the treatment period. Nutrition therapy may be integrated into a comprehensive cancer healthcare plan. Personalized nutrition plans are designed to keep patients nourished, relieve side effects, and enhance overall well-being and quality living.

Pharmacological and biological treatment are alternative cancer treatments aimed to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells which may involve any of, but not limited to, the following: antineoplaston therapy, cell therapy, chelation therapy, di bella therapy, enzyme therapy, immune-augmentative therapy.

Pain management programs are alternative cancer treatments aimed to address common pain problems among cancer patients. As the treatment methods are expected to have side effects on patients including pain, pain management can reduce discomfort which can give patients better quality of life.