Complementary and integrative medicine, or CIM, is a term that describes complementary therapies used to ease side effects, such as anxiety, pain, and fatigue caused by cancer or its treatments. Integrative medicine is a medical treatment plan that uses both conventional and complementary therapies to treat cancer and its effects.
You may already be familiar with some widely available complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or yoga.
Complementary therapies have been studied in rigorous clinical research. Adding complementary therapies to conventional treatments can improve overall quality of life, address sleep disruption, and in some cases, contribute to improved survival outcomes.
In this section, you can learn more about complementary therapies available in many cancer and community centers or in private practice settings. In addition, the Society for Integrative Oncology offers a free, downloadable guide to different approaches and ways to get started.
When used along with conventional medical treatments, practices such as acupuncture, yoga, and meditation are often called complementary and integrative medicine, or CIM, for short. An agency within the U.S. National Institutes of Health, called the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, researches these practices.
The terms alternative, complementary, and integrative are sometimes misused to describe the same things, so knowing the differences among them is important.
Complementary therapies are often offered as part of an integrative breast cancer therapy plan at many hospitals and cancer centers across the U.S.
At LBBC, we believe the best approach to cancer care is conventional medical treatment that includes managing side effects, either with or without complementary therapies. We do not support or recommend alternative medicine, which is used in place of conventional medical care.
Anyone diagnosed with breast cancer can access complementary therapies. Many clinical trials have been conducted to study complementary therapies in people with all stages of breast cancer, but the strength of the evidence varies greatly across therapies.
In some hospitals and cancer centers, complementary therapies are offered as part of your treatment plan. You may take part in classes or sessions led by professional, licensed practitioners who work with your doctors to care for you. Ask your care team if they have complementary therapy resources for managing stress and mental and physical health through treatment.
Many people with breast cancer are interested in herbs and supplements that can potentially ease symptoms and side effects. Medical marijuana is one example.
It’s important to talk with your doctor about any herbs, supplements, or vitamins you are taking or might be considering. The Food and Drug Administration does not approve dietary supplements, and some interact with medicines.
Visit Ask the Expert: Vitamins and supplements for guidance on benefits, precautions, potential interactions, and answers to frequently asked questions with expert contributors Julie Lanford, MPH, RD, CSO, LDN and Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD.
For additional evidence-based information about different herbs, supplements, and other complementary therapy approaches, visit these resources:
Hear how Amanda did
Amanda was always on the go, managing the schedules of her three children while pursuing a master’s degree and climbing the ladder at work. After her stage IV diagnosis, she’s discovered the transformative power of holistic therapies and found a new, healthier approach to living. Learn about her experiences in this Can and Did podcast episode.
Make sure to talk with your doctor before starting any complementary therapies, including herbs, supplements, and vitamins. Ask about:
Cancer centers often offer complementary and integrative medicine programs. Ask your care team if your hospital has one.
You can also search for independent practitioners, such as a licensed acupuncturist in your community. Look for professionals with a degree or certification that includes the term “oncology” and/or “integrative” who has experience working with people who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Cancer Support Community and other organizations offer some complementary therapies, including virtual and in-person mindfulness meditation and yoga classes.
If you cannot find a practitioner with oncology qualifications, let your doctor know you are considering seeing a practitioner who does not have oncology experience. Your doctor can provide guidance on whether a practice is safe for you and any questions to ask.
It’s also OK to ask to meet with a practitioner before you start classes to make sure the practice is safe for you.
You may come across CIM practitioners who claim their therapy or medicine can cure cancer. If anyone makes this claim, or requires that you stop conventional treatment before working with you, look for someone else.
Some questions to ask your CIM practitioner before working together are:
Some complementary therapies may be covered by your health insurance provider. Call your insurance company to check.
Your hospital social worker or nurse navigator may also be able to direct you to free or low-cost complementary therapy resources.
Nutrition and exercise are also considered to be part of integrative medicine for breast cancer.
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Reviewed and updated: August 24, 2026
Reviewed by: Terri Crudup, MBA
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