Alternative Stomach Cancer Treatment

Some people with stomach cancer try alternative treatments to ease stress, or to reduce symptoms of the disease or side effects of its treatment. Alternative stomach cancer treatment options include such things as acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, vitamins, and meditation. In most cases, people combine alternative treatments with more standard cancer treatments. People considering starting any alternative stomach cancer treatment should discuss it first with their doctor.

 

Alternative Stomach Cancer Treatment: An Overview

Some people use alternative stomach cancer treatment to ease stress or to reduce symptoms of the cancer or side effects of its treatment. Most patients who use alternative treatments combine them with more standard treatments for stomach cancer.
 

Types of Alternative Stomach Cancer Treatment

Examples of alternative stomach cancer treatment options include:
 
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Herbal products
  • Vitamins or special diets
  • Visualization
  • Meditation
  • Spiritual healing.
 
Many people believe that alternative treatments for stomach cancer help them feel better. However, some types of alternative stomach cancer treatment may interfere with standard treatment. In fact, combining alternative treatments with standard stomach cancer treatment may even be harmful. It is important to note that alternative treatments may be expensive, and health insurance may not cover the cost.
 

Alternative Stomach Cancer Treatment: Recommendations

Patients should discuss alternative stomach cancer treatment with their doctor before starting any such treatment. Questions that you should ask your doctor regarding alternative treatments for stomach cancer include the following:
 
  • What benefits can I expect from this approach?
  • What are the risks of this treatment?
  • Do the expected benefits outweigh the risks?
  • What side effects should I watch for?
  • Will this alternative treatment change the way my standard stomach cancer treatment works?
  • Could this treatment be harmful?
  • Is this approach under study in a clinical trial? If so, who sponsors the trial?
  • Will my health insurance pay for this approach?
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD