Important

Speak to your medical team and ask their advice before you start complementary therapies.  

Use a fully qualified, registered and insured therapist. Ask them questions (see suggested questions below). If they are qualified and registered, they will have no trouble responding.

Questions to ask your therapist

  • Ask if they have had training in complementary therapy and cancer.  This training is not a necessity, but it can be helpful.  Remember that no trustworthy therapist will claim to cure cancer.
  • Ask if they are insured.
  • Ask about pricing.  Prices vary, so make sure you ring around to get a sense of local charges.
  • Look at the reviews on their website, or go by word-of-mouth recommendation.

Questions they may ask you

  • A good therapist will always complete a consultation form before your first treatment.  This will ask for information about your health, lifestyle and diet. 
    • The therapist may even call you the day after your first treatment, to see how you are feeling.
  • The therapist may ask if your medical team have given you permission to have the therapy treatment.

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Choose a therapist who makes you feel comfortable, at ease and in good hands.  This is your health, your time and your money.

Finding a practitioner

The following websites can help you find a practitioner.  This list is not exhaustive.  For further advice, see the NHS link under More information (below).

Macmillan

Complementary therapies and cancer: general guidance

Acupuncture

The British Acupuncture Council

Reflexology

Association of Reflexologists

Healing

The Healing Trust

Other therapies including massage

Complementary Therapists Association

All therapies

Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council

More information

NHS on complementary and alternative medicine

 

Contact information

Get in touch with your CNS (cancer specialist nurse)

or

Kingston Hospital Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Email: khft.macinfoswru@nhs.net

Telephone:

 

Kingston Hospital Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service: 020 8973 5001