Nonpharmacologic complementary therapies in symptom management for breast cancer survivors

The request and use of nonpharmacologic interventions and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer survivors is increasing. Given the large number of breast cancer survivors and the multiple treatment-related symptoms they endure, it is important for physicians to be aware of the evidence supporting nonpharmacologic therapies. Several studies evaluating such interventions have demonstrated improved overall quality of life (QOL). For other symptoms, the literature is limited but growing. We summarize the evidence to support complementary and alternative therapies for the major symptoms in breast cancer survivors.