Complementary & Alternative (CAM) Therapies for Lung Cancer Treatment

Author: Molly Lindquist

Medically reviewed by Dr. Doug Blayney on October 15, 2024.

Introduction

If you or someone you care about is dealing with lung cancer, you might be wondering about different ways to help with treatment. While doctors have a number of ways to treat lung cancer, like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, some people are also interested in trying other methods to feel better. These are called alternative therapies, and they can sometimes help alongside regular treatment. We want to stress that it’s really important to talk to your oncologist and care team before you start any alternative therapy, and we are not recommending alternative medicine as a replacement for the care your oncologist is providing. With that said, let’s learn more about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Click here to learn more about our Your Cancer GPS™ if-this-then-what interactive maps to help you navigate the cancer experience.

What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

Alternative therapies are different ways to help your body and mind feel better that aren't part of regular medical treatment. Sometimes, people call them complementary therapies because they work together with normal cancer treatments. These therapies can help you feel more comfortable and deal with side effects from cancer treatments. It’s important to ensure that the information about CAM therapies you are receiving is legitimate – here is a guide from the National Center for Complementary & Integrative Medicine that helps find and evaluate online resources.

More articles about lung cancer: 

• Can Lung Cancer Be Detected Early?
• Lung Cancer Cough: What to Know and How to Manage It

6 Common Types of Alternative & Complementary Therapies for Lung Cancer

Suggestions from friends and family are often a way patients learn of these alternative or complementary therapies. Two relatively simple things to help friends tolerate treatment better include regular exercise and stopping smoking for those who smoke cigarettes. Both are often hard to start or to continue, but both have been proven to make treatment easier to take.  Encouragement and coaching from friends and family can offer be a great help.

There are many kinds of alternative therapies that people with lung cancer might try. Let's look at some of the most popular ones (and for more details, visit the National Cancer Institute’s guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine here):

1. Herbal Supplements and Natural Remedies (Biologically based practices)

Some people like to use plants and natural substances to help them feel better. For example:

• vitamins: nutrients the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy
• dietary supplements: products added to the diet that may contain ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs, to name a few. (Some herbs can interfere with the body’s way of detoxifying or removing chemotherapy from the body after it’s done its job, and may make side effects worse. Discuss all of the supplements you may be taking with your doctor).
• botanicals: plants or parts of plants. One type is cannabis.
• herbs and spices such as turmeric or cinnamon (See Herbs at a Glance)
• special foods or diets

Remember, even though these are natural, they can still affect your body and potentially impact other medications you are taking. Always talk to your doctor before trying any new supplements.

2. Mind-Body Therapies

These are activities that help your mind and body work together to make you feel better. Some examples are:

• Yoga: This combines stretching, breathing, and relaxation.
• Meditation: This helps you focus your mind and feel calmer.
• Tai Chi: This is a gentle exercise that can help with balance and relaxation.

These activities can help you feel less stressed and more relaxed, which is really important when you're dealing with cancer.

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is when a trained person puts very thin needles into specific points on your body. It might sound scary, but many people say it doesn't hurt and can actually help with:

• Pain
• Feeling sick to your stomach
• Other side effects from cancer treatments

4. Nutritional Therapies

Eating the right foods is super important when you're fighting cancer. Some people follow special diets that focus on:

• Foods that fight inflammation in your body
• Foods that might help fight cancer
• Getting all the nutrients you need to stay strong

There are different diets people try, like eating mostly plants or cutting out certain foods. The most important thing is to eat a balanced diet that gives your body what it needs to stay strong.

5. Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Aromatherapy uses special plant oils to help you feel better. Some popular oils are:

• Lavender: This might help you relax and sleep better.
• Frankincense: Some people think this helps with pain.
• Eucalyptus: This might help you breathe easier.

These oils can be nice to smell or put on your skin (when mixed with a safe oil). They might help you feel less anxious and more relaxed.

6. Physical Therapies

These are treatments that involve touching or moving your body, like:

• Massage: This can help with pain and make you feel more relaxed.
• Reflexology: This is when someone presses on certain parts of your feet or hands.

These therapies can help you feel more comfortable and less stressed.

How Can Complementary Therapies Help People with Cancer?

Complementary therapies can help in many ways:

1. They might make side effects from regular cancer treatments feel less bad.
2. They can help you relax and feel less stressed.
3. Some might boost your energy or help you sleep better.
4. They can make you feel more in control of your health.
5. Many of these therapies just help you feel better overall.

Combining Regular and Alternative Treatments

The best way to use alternative therapies is alongside your regular cancer treatment, not instead of it. This is called integrative medicine or complementary treatment. It means using the best of both worlds to help you feel as good as possible.

Some hospitals have special programs that offer both regular cancer treatments and alternative therapies. This can be a great way to get all-around care for your body and mind.

Important Things to Think About

While alternative therapies can be helpful, there are some important things to remember:

1. Always talk to your doctor before trying any new therapy. Some might not mix well with your cancer treatments.
2. Be careful about claims that sound too good to be true. If something says it can cure cancer all by itself, it's probably not real.
3. Some therapies might not be safe to use during certain cancer treatments, like chemotherapy.
4. Make sure any person giving you a therapy (like acupuncture or massage) is properly trained and licensed.

How to Safely Try Alternative Therapies

If you're interested in trying alternative therapies, here are some tips:

1. Talk to your doctor: Tell them what you're thinking about trying and ask if it's safe for you.
2. Do your research: Look for reliable information about the therapy you're interested in.
3. Start slow: Try one new thing at a time to see how your body reacts.
4. Keep track: Write down how you feel after trying a new therapy. (Our Manta Planner has a tracking area to help with this!)
5. Join a support group: Talking to other people going through similar experiences can be really helpful.

We’ve been there. We get it.

The Manta Cares team is composed of cancer survivors, caregivers and oncologists - so we truly understand the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis because we’ve been there. We are here to walk with you as you go through your own cancer experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are even developing Your Cancer GPS™, a platform with disease-specific step-by-step maps to show you all the paths you might face during your cancer experience and connect you with relevant support and resources. Sign up for access to the Your Cancer GPS™ platform here.

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our free resources like our Chemotherapy Checklist for Caregivers, Financial Checklist for Cancer Treatment and more. We also put out a bi-weekly podcast called the Patient from Hell to educate, empower and hopefully inspire you as you go through this crappy experience. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Dealing with cancer as a patient or caregiver can feel really lonely. Just know that you are not alone in this experience.

Wrapping It Up

Dealing with lung cancer is tough (understatement of the year, right?!), but there are many ways to help yourself feel better. Alternative therapies might be a great addition to your regular cancer treatment, potentially helping you feel more comfortable, less stressed, and more in control.

Remember, the goal is to take care of your whole self - your body, your mind, and your feelings. By working with your doctors and trying safe complementary therapies, you can create a plan that works best for you.

Also Read: 

• Early signs of lung cancer in people who haven’t smoked
• Chemotherapy vs. Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
• Dearly Diagnosed: Letter to a Cancer Patient
• The Link Between Lung Cancer and Shoulder Pain
• A Guide to Maintaining Your Identity

FAQs on Complementary & Alternative Therapies for Lung Cancer Treatment

Q: What are the most helpful alternative therapies for lung cancer?

Ans - Many people find acupuncture, meditation, and gentle exercise like yoga helpful. But everyone is different, so what works best can vary from person to person.

Q: How can alternative therapies work with regular lung cancer treatments?

Ans - They can help manage side effects, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being while you're getting your main cancer treatments.

Q: How does acupuncture help with lung cancer symptoms?

Ans - Acupuncture might help with pain, nausea, and fatigue that can come from cancer or its treatments.

Q: Are there any foods that can help during lung cancer treatment?

Ans - Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is important. Some people also find that ginger helps with nausea.

Q: What herbal remedies do people with lung cancer often use?

Ans - Some common ones are turmeric, ginger, and green tea. But always check with your doctor before taking any herbs.

Q: How can things like yoga and meditation help during lung cancer treatment?

Ans - These practices can reduce stress, improve sleep, and help you feel more relaxed and positive.

Q: Is there proof that alternative therapies help with lung cancer?

Ans - Some therapies have more research behind them than others. Your doctor can help you understand which ones might be most helpful for you.

Q: Can yoga and meditation help recover from lung cancer?

Ans - While they can't cure cancer, they can help you feel better physically and emotionally during and after treatment.

Q: What should I think about before trying alternative therapies for lung cancer?

Ans - Always talk to your doctor first, make sure the therapy is safe for you, and choose qualified practitioners.

Q: How do alternative therapies affect how people with lung cancer feel day-to-day?

Ans - Many people say these therapies help them feel more relaxed, have more energy, and cope better with their cancer journey.

Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only.  This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.