Cancer treatments in Ireland are based on scientific research, which means the response to treatment can be predicted.

You may hear about the following types of treatments or therapies. It is important to know what they are and how they might help you.

Conventional therapies are the treatments which doctors use most often to treat people with cancer. These consist of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone treatments. All these treatments have been tested in clinical trials and there is long experience with patients.

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies are treatments that are sometimes given alongside the conventional treatment.

They include:

Therapies such as psychotherapy, relaxation and visualization.

Therapies which many people find helpful such as gentle massage, aromatherapy and reflexology.

Many people who have cancer find that complementary therapies are very helpful in a number of ways. You may feel more positive about yourself and your illness. You may be able to cope better with the physical side effects of cancer and often distressing emotions that cancer can bring.

Alternative therapies

Alternative therapies are treatments that are generally used instead of conventional treatments. Most doctors believe that such treatments cannot cure or control cancer. It is possible to spend large amounts of money and time on treatment that may result in more harm than good to the patient with cancer. Such therapies include: diet therapy, megavitamin therapy and some herbal medicines.

If you are thinking of going for treatment with either a complementary or alternative practitioner, it is important that you discuss this with your cancer specialist.

You should also ensure that the practitioners you are planning to visit are properly qualified and will charge a fair price for your treatment. There is a booklet available on complementary therapies. If you would like more information, in Ireland call the Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700.