Alternative therapies for ovarian cancer
Could alternative therapies help my aunt with ovarian cancer that has come back?
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We're sorry to hear that your aunt's ovarian cancer has come back and can understand that you wish to find therapies to help her. When a cancer comes back, or is advanced, and the standard conventional treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy have not worked, it can be very difficult to accept. Many people do think about using alternative therapies. Below is information about why we don’t recommend the use of most alternative therapies. However, some complementary therapies may help to control symptoms and improve your aunt’s quality of life.
Alternative therapies are unproven therapies used instead of conventional medical treatment. There is no research evidence to show that any alternative therapy can work as a treatment for advanced ovarian cancer (or any other type of cancer). Some alternative therapists may claim to be able to cure your cancer with their treatments even if conventional medical treatments have not been able to cure you. But reputable therapists won't claim this. Some alternative therapies may be promoted by people who genuinely believe that their 'remedy' can help. But very often the therapies are money making schemes that take advantage of desperate people.
You can always find stories about people whose cancers have miraculously disappeared when they took alternative therapies. But anyone can claim this. When alternative therapies are tested scientifically, they have not been found to work. Some alternative therapies or diets can be very harmful and cause unpleasant side effects. And some natural or herbal products can interact with other medicines or treatments. So it is very important to to check with your doctor before starting to take any alternative treatments.
Another important issue is that alternative therapies almost always cost quite a lot of money. Before you start taking anything, make sure you have thought about the ongoing cost. Some alternative therapies can cost hundreds of pounds a month.
If your aunt has had all the conventional treatment on offer, then it is really a question of finding treatments that improve her day to day life, and help to control her symptoms. Her specialist will be able to suggest treatment to help control symptoms. Doctors often call this palliative treatment. But your aunt may also find some complementary therapies helpful.
People with cancer often use complementary therapies at the same time as their conventional cancer treatment. Complementary therapies don't claim to cure cancer. They aim to ease stress and symptoms and may help people cope with their cancer and treatment.
The most commonly used complementary therapies are
Many complementary therapies can help people to relax and sleep better. Some, such as acupuncture may help to control pain and even help to control sickness. But they can be expensive to have regularly. Many cancer hospitals and clinics and local cancer support groups offer these treatments free or at reduced cost, so that is worth trying first. Some GPs and health centres offer complementary therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture or reflexology. Otherwise, you can look for a private practitioner in your local phone book or on the web.
The most important thing is to find a therapist who is reputable and reliable. Do look at our guide to complementary and alternative therapies in CancerHelp UK. There is a checklist of questions to ask when finding a therapist.
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