Talk with your doctor before you use CAM. Some people with cancer are afraid that their doctor won't understand or approve of the use of CAM. But doctors know that people with cancer want to take an active part in their care. They want the best for their patients and often are willing to work with them.
Talk to your doctor to make sure that all aspects of your cancer care work together. This is important because things that seem safe, such as certain foods or pills, may interfere with your cancer treatment.
Choose Practitioners with Care
CAM practitioners are people who have training in the therapies listed on pages 2-6. Choosing one should be done with the same care as choosing a doctor. Here are some things to remember when choosing a practitioner:
- Ask your doctor or nurse to suggest someone or speak with someone who knows about CAM.
- Ask whether someone at your cancer center or doctor's office can help you find a CAM practitioner. There may be a social worker or physical therapist who can help you.
- Ask whether your hospital keeps lists of centers or has staff who can suggest people.
- Contact CAM professional organizations to get names of practitioners who are certified. This means that they have proper training in their field.
- Contact local health and wellness organizations.
- Ask about each practitioner's training and experience.
- Ask whether the practitioner has a license to practice in your state. If you want to confirm the answer, ask what organization gives out the licenses. Then, you may choose to follow up with a phone call.
- Call your health care plan to see if it covers this therapy.