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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.

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
A young child celebrating the end of blood cancer treatment stands indoors ringing a brass “Ringing Out” bell mounted on a plaque. The child smiles with eyes closed, surrounded by red‑and‑white decorations and signs. They wear a black shirt that reads “My Last Day of Chemo — It Was Tough but I Was Tougher,” symbolizing strength, remission, and completion of chemotherapy

Loxley

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Snapshot of Tracy wearing a hat and glasses in front of a waterfall, a cancer survivor

Tracy

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Stephenie  holding a remission sign, HL survivor

Stephenie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Heriberto, Burkitt lymphoma (BL) patient, with wife on his wedding day

Heriberto

Burkitt lymphoma (BL)

Young child with a shaved head stands outdoors on a sunlit driveway, raising both arms overhead while holding a small object, with a rural landscape and trailer in the background—an empowering moment symbolizing strength and resilience in the blood cancer community.

Oakley

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Gabriele Papa, AML

Gabriele

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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Keri

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person wearing a long-sleeved gray shirt and black pants is standing outdoors next to a large bush covered in clusters of small white flowers. The individual is holding a bright green bag over one shoulder and appears to be closely observing or smelling the flowers. The background includes dense greenery and trees, creating a lush garden setting.

Cinn

acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)

Gerardo (Jerry), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient

Gerardo (Jerry)

myelofibrosis (MF), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - In memory

A child is sitting cross-legged on a paved surface outdoors, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt under a blue sleeveless jumpsuit with large buttons on the front. The child has short, light-colored hair and is wearing brown sandals. In the background, there is a white picket fence and a blurred house. The lighting suggests a bright, sunny day.

Aero

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

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Nicole

Healthcare professional, donor/supporter

Smiling person seated indoors wearing purple, representing strength, resilience, and hope within the blood cancer community and Blood Cancer United.

Jean

multiple myeloma (MM)

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