Other Things to Consider

Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies are therapies that are used in addition to traditional medical treatments. They help with coping and overlap with mental health services. For example, self-initiated therapies like relaxation, stress control, and meditation are offered in both individual and group sessions. There is a charge for both types of sessions, but at present, only mental health services are reimbursed by insurance plans. Art, music, and dance are creative therapies that can improve the quality of life, as does yoga and exercise.

Cancer Organizations as Resources

A broad range of psychological support resources for patients are available that provide group and telephone support and information through the Internet and written materials. Contact the American Cancer Society 24 hours/day 7 days/week at 1.800.ACS.2345 for information on specific needs. They will connect you to the resources, including those in your area that will best meet your needs.

Internet Resources

A vast amount of information about cancer is available on the Internet. This information can be very valuable to those facing cancer in making decisions about their illness, treatment, and support. It is, however, important to consider the credentials and reputation of the organization providing the information since any group or individual can post information to the Internet.

Some people have found that searching on the Internet increases their distress because of the overwhelming amount of information available. If this is true for you, it may help to allow someone else to “filter” the information and give you only the information that is most relevant to your situation.

It is best to stay with Web sites that are supported by reputable cancer organizations and where information is reviewed on a regular basis for accuracy. Avoid Web sites that are selling a product or that make claims that cannot be proven.

COPING WITH YOUR DISTRESS

For more information on these treatment guidelines, or on cancer in general, call the NCCN at 1-888-909-NCCN or the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Or you can visit these organizations’ web sites at www.cancer.org (ACS) and www.nccn.org (NCCN).

© 2005 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Cancer Society (ACS). All rights reserved. The information herein may not be reproduced in any form for commercial purposes or downloaded and stored in any information-retrieval system without the express written permission of the NCCN and the ACS. Single copies of each page may be printed out for personal, noncommercial use only.