Alternative Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Alternative ovarian cancer treatment is sometimes used along with standard treatments to help minimize symptoms or reduce associated pain. Types of alternative treatments include herbal products, acupuncture, massage, and relaxation techniques. It's important to discuss any alternative ovarian cancer treatment with your doctor prior to trying it to avoid potentially harmful side effects.

 

An Introduction to Alternative Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Some people use alternative ovarian cancer treatment to ease stress or to reduce side effects and symptoms of ovarian cancer. In most cases, people combine alternative treatments with the standard treatments for ovarian cancer (for example, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy).
 

Types of Alternative Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Types of alternative ovarian cancer treatments include:
 
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Herbal products
  • Vitamins or special diets
  • Visualization
  • Meditation
  • Spiritual healing.
     
Many people say that alternative ovarian cancer treatments help them feel better; however, some types of alternative treatments may interfere with standard treatments, and combining the two may even be harmful. It is important to note that some types of alternative ovarian cancer treatment options are expensive, and health insurance may not cover the cost.
 

Alternative Ovarian Cancer Treatment for Pain

Pain associated with ovarian cancer is a potential problem for people with the disease. Pain can be caused by a tumor that is pressing against nerves and other organs, or pain can be caused by ovarian cancer treatment itself. The patient's doctor or a specialist in pain control can relieve or reduce pain in several ways, which include:
 
  • Pain medicine
  • Radiation
  • Nerve block.
     
The healthcare team may also suggest alternative ovarian cancer treatment for pain, such as massage, acupuncture, or acupressure. Relaxation techniques, such as listening to slow music or breathing slowly and comfortably, may also help to reduce pain in patients with ovarian cancer.
 
(Click Ovarian Cancer Pain for more information about how to treat pain that is associated with ovarian cancer.)
 
(Alternative Ovarian Cancer Treatment Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD