Skip to main content

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.

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Close-up portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing along a coastal cliff at sunset, with the ocean and shoreline visible in the background. The individual wears a patterned head covering and a light-colored sweatshirt while looking toward the camera. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, hope, and finding moments of peace during and after blood cancer treatment. The scenic setting reflects strength, healing, and the support that helps people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers move forward.

Liz

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

inspirational-stories-blood-cancer-shirley.jpeg

Shirley

large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL)

A selfie taken inside a vehicle shows a blood cancer survivor sitting beside a large brown dog wearing a harness and orange collar. The dog is positioned prominently in the foreground, while the individual wears sunglasses and a seatbelt. The candid photo highlights the comfort, companionship, and everyday moments that support many people affected by blood cancer during survivorship and recovery.

Kaitlyn

survivor

Two people wearing bright yellow banana costumes pose outdoors near an active volcanic eruption, with lava and a large plume of smoke rising in the background. The playful travel photo captures a memorable moment of adventure, humor, and connection. The image accompanies a blood cancer survivor story, reflecting resilience, celebrating life after a blood cancer diagnosis, and finding joy in meaningful experiences.

Thomas

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Portrait of a blood cancer advocate standing in front of a red Leukemia & Lymphoma Society event backdrop, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, glasses, and a patterned top. The image highlights community engagement, blood cancer awareness, and support for patients, survivors, and families affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. Featured as part of a blood cancer survivor story, the photo reflects advocacy, resilience, and the impact of collective action in the blood cancer community.

Angie

Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)

A blood cancer volunteer stands with a bicycle at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, with the iconic mountain monument and visitors visible in the background. Wearing cycling gear and protective arm sleeves, the individual poses during a long-distance cycling adventure that supports blood cancer awareness and advocacy. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, perseverance, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis while inspiring hope for others affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers.

Darin

Volunteer and supporter

A person is lying in a hospital bed wearing a patterned hospital gown. The individual has multiple hospital wristbands on one arm and a small bandage near the wrist. They are holding a light blue surgical mask near their chin. The background shows a curtain with a circular pattern and part of a wall-mounted medical device.

Georgia

mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL)

Close-up indoor portrait of a blood cancer survivor wearing a burgundy polka-dot blouse, illuminated by natural window light. The image accompanies a blood cancer survivor story, highlighting resilience, advocacy, and life after a blood cancer diagnosis. This authentic portrait reflects the strength of individuals affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, while emphasizing hope, survivorship, and the importance of support within the blood cancer community.

Anna

mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)

Outdoor portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing on a sidewalk in a landscaped neighborhood, wearing a black top and a colorful statement necklace. Trees and greenery create a natural backdrop. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, hope, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis. The photo represents the strength of individuals affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, while emphasizing the importance of awareness, support, and survivorship.

Sharon

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Close-up indoor selfie showing an older adult wearing glasses and a red shirt while holding a baby. Soft natural light fills the room, highlighting a meaningful family moment across generations. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image reflects the importance of family, resilience, and celebrating everyday milestones after a blood cancer diagnosis. The photo represents hope, connection, and the support that helps individuals and families navigate the blood cancer experience.

Joseph

plasma cell leukemia (PCL)

Portrait of a blood cancer advocate standing in front of a green floral background featuring a white dove graphic. The individual wears glasses and a sleeveless top while posing for the camera. Featured as part of a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights awareness, remembrance, resilience, and community support for people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. The photo reflects hope and the lasting impact of blood cancer advocacy and patient storytelling.

Joan

Family member and supporter

A participant wearing a purple Team In Training race jersey and bib number runs along a scenic waterfront path bordered by wildflowers, with mountains and water visible in the background. The image highlights endurance, advocacy, and fundraising efforts for blood cancer research and support services. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the photo represents resilience, determination, and the collective impact of the blood cancer community working toward better treatments and outcomes for people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers.

Christine

Family member, supporter, and donor

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