Key points about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for children with cancer
- complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments and therapies are different from standard or conventional medical treatment
- it is very important to talk to your child's healthcare team about any plans for using CAM therapies for your child
- your child's healthcare team need to know about all your child's therapies so that your child gets the safest and most effective care possible
What is CAM?
CAM is treatment and therapy that is different from conventional or standard medical treatment.
Some people use CAM together with standard medical treatment. They use alternative medicine instead of standard medical treatment.
Different types of CAM
There are many different types of CAM therapies.
Other names for CAM therapies are 'natural remedies', 'traditional' or 'alternative' medicines.
These include:
- high dose vitamins
- minerals
- herbal therapies
- tonics
- aromatherapy
- homeopathic medicines
Talk to your child's healthcare team before starting any CAM therapy or treatment.
CAM also includes:
- treatments that are well-established in other countries, such as traditional Chinese medicine in China and Ayurvedic medicine in India
- treatments such as magnet therapy or crystals
- mind-body medicine - therapies and techniques that use the mind to help heal the body such as hypnosis, guided imagery and biofeedback
- lifestyle changes such as nutrition, social support, relaxation, stretching and exercise - to balance the body and calm the mind
- older therapies such as massage, osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, herbal medicine and homeopathy
Differences between CAM and standard treatments
New Zealand's 2 specialist treatment centres for childhood cancer use standard medical treatment (conventional treatment). There is scientific evidence that supports standard medical treatment and shows that the treatment provides the best chance for cure.
There is some scientific evidence for some CAM treatments. But, there are important questions about most CAM therapies that still need answers:
- Are they safe?
- How do they work?
- Will they work for this disease?
Treatments & Procedures For Childhood Cancer
Safety of CAM in childhood cancer
Many families think about using CAM for their child with cancer. If you are thinking about this, please talk to your child's healthcare team first.
The following are some of the problems with CAM treatments for tamariki (children) with cancer.
Some CAM therapies can interfere with treatment
Some CAM therapies, treatments and products may be safe for tamariki with cancer, while others may interfere with treatment. For example, some natural products and vitamins may interfere with how well chemotherapy works. Some products may have side effects that can interfere with other parts of cancer treatment.
Some CAM products increase the risk of infection
Herbal and natural products may contain bacteria or fungi, increasing your child's risk for infection, particularly at a time when they are very vulnerable.
Some CAM therapies can be unsafe for some children
Some CAM therapies and products may be unsafe for tamariki who have low blood counts.
Tell the healthcare team about all medicines and treatments
Remember, it's very important to discuss any plans for using any kind of CAM therapies or products with your child's healthcare team. CAM products include any vitamins, remedies or natural products you are thinking of giving to your child.
Your child's healthcare team need to know about all your child's therapies. This is to make sure your child gets the safest and most effective care possible.
The doctors and nurses in your child's healthcare team will listen to what you have to say and be more than happy to talk with you about any risks and benefits of all your child's treatments. Sometimes, there is not any information available to give you about the safety of combining CAM products with standard therapy.
Please tell your child's doctors and nurses about all of your child's medicines, including:
- medicines from doctors at the hospital
- medicines from another doctor (maybe your family doctor)
- medicines you bought at the chemist or the supermarket
- medicines you bought at a health food shop
- complementary medicines ('natural' remedies)
CAM that may be helpful in childhood cancer
Certain types of CAM therapy may help with your child's cancer treatment symptoms.
Some CAM therapies can help reduce stress and help your child feel more relaxed and comfortable.
Examples of CAM therapies that can sometimes help tamariki having cancer treatment include:
- yoga
- meditation
- massage
- aromatherapy
- music therapy
Talk with your child's healthcare team if you would like to use any of these methods during your child's treatment.
You can also read more general advice for parents about complementary and alternative medicine.
Advice For Parents About Complementary & Alternative Medicine
Acknowledgements
All the pages in the childhood cancer section of this website have been written by health professionals who work in the field of paediatric oncology. They have been reviewed by the members of the National Child Cancer Network (NZ). Medical information is authorised by the clinical leader of the National Child Cancer Network.
