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Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Some men with prostate cancer use complementary
and alternative medicine (CAM):
a An approach is generally called complementary medicine when
it is used along with standard treatment.
a An approach is called alternative medicine when it is used
instead of standard treatment.
Acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, vitamins or
special diets, visualization, meditation, and spiritual healing
are types of CAM.
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Many men say that CAM helps them feel better. However, some
types of CAM may change the way standard treatment works. These
changes could be harmful. And some types of CAM could be harmful
even if used alone.
Some types of CAM are expensive. Health insurance may not
cover the cost.
NCI offers a fact sheet called "Complementary and Alternative
Medicine in Cancer Treatment: Questions and Answers."
You also may request materials from the Federal Government's
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
You can reach their clearinghouse toll-free at 1–888–644– 226
(voice) and 1–866–464–3615 (TTY). In addition, you can visit the
Center's Web site at http://www.nccam.nih.gov, or end an email
to info@nccam.nih.gov.
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