What are alternative therapies?
Alternative therapies are products or treatments that are used instead of conventional medical treatments such as chemotherapy and hormone therapies. Some examples of alternative therapies are ozone therapy, special diets (e.g. the Gerson diet), coffee enemas, large doses of vitamins and herbal treatments.
Alternative therapies are different from complementary medicines or complementary therapies, which are used in addition to conventional medical treatments.
Alternative therapies have not been scientifically proven and there is no credible evidence that they are effective in treating breast cancer, although they are often marketed as being a 'cure' for cancer. They are often very expensive, and may cost many thousands of dollars.
While we acknowledge that all women have the right to choose the treatments they think are most suitable for them, BCNA does not support the use of alternative medicines being used in place of the evidence-based, best-practice treatments that are recommended in the clinical practice guidelines for the management of breast cancer.
Should I use an alternative therapy?
The decision to use an alternative therapy instead of conventional breast cancer treatment is a personal one. However it is wise to discuss any treatments you are considering with your doctor and family. If you don't feel comfortable raising this with your treating doctor, there may be another member of your treating team with whom you feel more comfortable to talk. This may be daunting, but it is important to be well informed about any treatment decisions you may make.
Questions to ask about alternative therapies
If you are considering an alternative therapy, you may like to ask your doctor and your alternative therapist the following questions:
- How do you think this alternative therapy will help me?
- Do you know if this alternative therapy will interfere with any of the medicines I am taking for other health conditions?
- Is it okay to take this alternative therapy at the same time as my other medicine, or should I take it at a different time?
- Will I have any side-effects from this alternative therapy?
- What do I do if I experience any of the side effects?
- How long should I use this alternative therapy and how will I know if it's working?
- Who will provide me with the alternative therapy?
- What qualification, training and experience does the alternative therapist have?
- What is the cost of the alternative therapy?
- Is the alternative therapy covered by private health insurance?
What should I do if I experience any side-effects?
If you experience any adverse side-effects after taking an alternative therapy, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
More information
- The My Journey Kit Information Guide has a section on complementary and alternative therapies.
- BCNA's position statement on Complementary and Alternative Therapies.
- The Beacon Issue 58 contains an article on the difference between complementary and alternative medicines and therapiesThe Cancer Council Australia's website section on complementary and alternative therapies includes a fact sheet.
