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
- 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?
