Complementary Therapies for Colorectal Cancer

Complementary & Alternative Medicines for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

In each Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) hospital, you will find a welcoming staff of practitioners who specialize in complementary and alternative medicine therapies, such as naturopathic medicine, nutrition therapy, mind-body medicine, spiritual support, and more. These professionals will work with your cancer doctors (as members of your overall care team) to provide you with individualized, comprehensive colorectal cancer treatment.

As you receive traditional treatments for colorectal cancer, our complementary and alternative medicine treatments may help reduce side effects, boost your physical strength, and support your immune system. This may help you tolerate treatment more easily and improve your overall quality of life.

Complementary and alternative therapies are healing options that aim to nurture and balance your body, mind and spirit. These options have been used for thousands of years around the globe to increase energy levels, and restore emotional and physical health. At CTCA, your cancer doctors and practitioners will work with you to select which complementary therapies are best for your colorectal cancer treatment.

Please continue reading to learn about some of the complementary and alternative medicine therapies used for colorectal cancer treatment at CTCA:

Nutritional Support

At CTCA, we recognize the importance of establishing an individualized nutrition program for the prevention, treatment and aftercare of colorectal cancer. Our licensed dietitians aim to help boost your immune system using key nutrients. They will also work with you to help reduce common side effects of conventional colorectal cancer treatment, such as decreased appetite and weight loss.

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Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine focuses on the healing power of the body and nature to maintain and restore health. CTCA naturopathic practitioners use botanical medicines (i.e., herbs), vitamin and mineral supplements, homeopathy, and other therapies as part of your colorectal cancer treatment. The CTCA naturopathic medicine program is one of the only inpatient, integrative oncology programs that has naturopathic practitioners as part of the care team. Additionally, CTCA operates some of the few cancer hospitals in the United States that offer a Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) certified residency program, sponsored through Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington.

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Oncology Rehabilitation

At CTCA, you will have the opportunity to consult with an oncology rehabilitation therapist even before your colorectal cancer treatment begins. At that time, you can discuss your goals and learn about the rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, and/or massage therapy, which will be available to you during treatment.

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Mind-Body Medicine

Mind-body therapists at CTCA strive to help you feel more relaxed and less anxious throughout your colorectal cancer treatment and beyond. Our mind-body medicine program is designed to help promote your emotional and psychological well-being in an effort to move you forward in your journey towards healing. Some of the mind-body offerings at CTCA include individual, group and family counseling; support groups; guided imagery and relaxation training; and education on stress management techniques.

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Spiritual Support

New research shows that spirituality and religion can play an important role in helping people cope with colorectal cancer. From the day CTCA was founded, the belief that faith can carry people through difficult times has been an integral part of our philosophy. No matter what your individual religion or beliefs, our pastoral care team can help you explore ways that spirituality can play a part in your healing.

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Pain Management

At CTCA, pain management specialists will help you choose from a wide range of therapies to help reduce any pain you may experience during colorectal cancer treatment. Your pain management options may include conventional pain control therapies such as medication, as well as complementary options such as acupuncture, acupressure, and visualization.

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