Alternative cancer treatment

supportive care

Cancer care

cancer diagnosis

Alternative medicine is treatment in place of traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or other standard cancer treatments.

Further Information

Contact the central customer service centre on

[email protected] or 0860 NETCARE (0860 638 2273)

Please note that the centre operates on weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00.

Cancer Treatment

Alternative therapies are often not approved by your medical aid, expensive and possibly even harmful. They are available over the counter and should be used with caution.

Complementary medicine on the other hand are simply treatments that you receive in addition to standard cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

We strongly recommend that cancer patients discuss complementary or alternative therapies with their oncologist or doctor before beginning such treatments. For more information on complementary or alternative medicine, please speak to your treating oncologist.

Complementary medicine is treatment that you receive in addition to standard cancer treatments

Types of complementary medicine

Relaxation techniques during chemotherapy

Relaxed or deep breathing, mental imagery or visualisation, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation.

Music during cancer treatment

Some research shows that music therapy can help people with cancer reduce their anxiety.

Massage therapy

There is no scientific evidence that massage can treat cancer. But it is commonly used to help people feel better, and to reduce some cancer symptoms and treatment side effects.

Yoga or tai chi

Both of these help focus the mind on breathing and posture to promote relaxation and reduce fatigue.

Complementary medicine is treatment that you receive in addition to standard cancer treatments