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Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Not sure what complementary and alternative therapies are? Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a way of treating patients with an array of healing philosophies, approaches and therapies that embrace a holistic approach to care - treating the mind, body and spirit. When a CAM therapy is used in addition to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery, it's referred to as a "complementary" therapy. When a therapy is used alone or instead of the proven standard of care, it's referred to as an "alternative" therapy.

American Cancer Fund (ACF)

Contact:
908-431-9800
Population Served:

Anyone affected by cancer and needing information

Mission:

ACF™ is dedicated to the education, support and empowerment of those diagnosed with cancer by organizing and clarifying information. Provides information about:

  • Living with Cancer
  • Clinical Trials
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  • Nutrition and Exercise
  • Oral Health

Chemocare.com

Contact:
844-268-3901
Population Served:

Anyone seeking information on chemotherapy or cancer

Mission:

Chemocare.com® is a website designed to provide the latest information about chemotherapy to patients and their families, caregivers and friends. The site focuses on care during chemotherapy including information about FDA approved chemotherapy medications, nutrition, managing side effects and self-care tips. The content is continually updated and reviewed by oncology specialists.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Contact:
888-644-6226
Population Served:

People in the U.S. seeking scientific information on complementary health approaches

Mission:

To define, through rigorous scientific investigation, the usefulness and safety of complementary and integrative health interventions and their roles in improving health and health care.

  • Responds to inquiries via phone or email, and retrieves information from Federal databases of peer-reviewed scientific and medical literature
  • Distributes NCCIH publications and selected other federal publications on complementary health approaches
  • Makes referrals to other federal resources as appropriate.

Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM)

Contact:
800-422-6237
Population Served:

Patients and survivors of cancer in the U.S.

Mission:

OCCAM, a division of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), has the mission to improve the quality of care of cancer patients, as well as those at risk for cancer and those recovering from cancer treatment, by contributing to the advancement of evidence-based CAM practice and the sciences that support it as well as the availability of high-quality information for the health care community, researchers, and general public.

  • Offers peer-reviewed, evidence-based cancer information summaries on complementary and alternative medicine
  • Assists in decision making about CAM, including frequently asked questions, issues to consider, and a list of sources for further information
  • Provides information on CAM therapies used by cancer patients
  • Provides safety alerts and advisories related to cancer CAM
  • Gives tips and information about talking to your health care provider about your use of CAM
  • Answers frequently asked questions about paying for CAM treatment
  • Lists integrative medicine programs at NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers
  • Links to databases that include information on clinical trials, health organizations, and scientific literature.

Please note that these resources are regularly reviewed to ensure that links still work correctly and that the resources listed continue to be helpful to our visitors. If you find that a link isn't working or information is incorrect, please email [email protected].  If you would like for us to consider adding your organization to this resource, please complete and submit this form.

Blood Cancer United resources

Find free, specialized guidance and information for every type of blood cancer, request financial support, find emotional support, and connect with other members of the blood cancer community.

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Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Blood cancer patient wearing a knit beanie and glasses embraces a loved one during a hospital visit. The image highlights the importance of caregiver support, resilience, and hope throughout blood cancer treatment. Set in a healthcare environment, the photo reflects the experiences of blood cancer patients and families navigating diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship together.

Kerrie

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

leukemia patient weaing glasses and blue shirt at the beach

Paul

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Snapshot of Tricia with her family, a cancer survivor

Tricia

Staff

Jane, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient, with companion

Jane

Hodgkin lymphoma

Gianna, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient and advocate, pictured with other supporters

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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Kelsey

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Cyclist wearing a blood cancer awareness fundraising jersey rides a road bike during an organized endurance event. The jersey features blood cancer advocacy messaging and supports efforts to fund research, patient support, and treatments. The image highlights the dedication of blood cancer supporters, survivors, and advocates who participate in athletic fundraising events to help improve outcomes for people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers.

Bill

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Blood cancer patient sitting on a hospital bed during treatment alongside a supportive family member in a healthcare setting. Medical wristbands and treatment lines are visible, highlighting the realities of blood cancer care and recovery. The image reflects the vital role of caregivers, family support, and resilience throughout a blood cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship experience, emphasizing hope and connection during a challenging time.

Elizabeth

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Side-by-side portraits showing a blood cancer survivor and Team In Training participant in 2012 and 2022. In the first image, the individual wears a Team In Training shirt and points to the program logo. In the second image, the same individual stands wearing multiple race medals earned through endurance fundraising events. The photo illustrates a decade of resilience, survivorship, and advocacy in the blood cancer community, highlighting the impact of fundraising, patient support, and blood cancer research.

Max

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Childhood photo of two young children sitting indoors in dress clothes in front of a couch and decorative pillows. The image represents the personal story behind a blood cancer survivor, highlighting the importance of childhood blood cancer awareness, patient support, survivorship, and hope for families affected by blood cancer.

Ali

Family member and supporter

Participants run in a road race near the iconic Unisphere in Queens, New York, during a community fundraising event supporting blood cancer patients, survivors, and blood cancer research. Several runners wearing race bibs move through the course on a bright sunny day, highlighting awareness, advocacy, and support for the blood cancer community.

Matt

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Family of four posing together by a waterfront during a holiday celebration, with festive clothing and seasonal accessories. The image reflects the strength of families affected by blood cancer, highlighting the support, love, and togetherness that help patients and caregivers navigate blood cancer treatment, survivorship, and everyday milestones.

Jennifer

Mother and caregiver

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.