Alternative and complementary therapies for prostate cancer: how to explore them safely.

You may have heard from friends or family, or seen online, that there are certain therapies, supplements or diets that claim to help treat prostate cancer or manage the side effects of its treatments.

With so much advice out there, it can be hard to know what to trust. Some of this information may be useful, but not all of it’s backed by good evidence - and some advice could do more harm than good.

Here, our Specialist Nurse Adele O’Neill, guides you through the important questions to ask - so you can choose the path that’s right for you.

Are alternative therapies safe?

Alternative therapies aren’t always what they seem and, in some cases, they can cause side effects or interfere with your prostate cancer treatment.

Many alternative therapies claim they can cure cancer. While these claims may sound convincing, most haven’t been properly tested and there’s often little scientific evidence to support them.

Before a treatment is approved for use in the NHS, it goes through years of research and clinical trials to check that it works, that it’s safe, and that the benefits outweigh the risks. Most alternative therapies haven’t gone through this process.

Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That's why it's important to check the evidence and always speak to your healthcare team before trying an alternative therapy.

Should I use complementary therapies alongside treatment?

Complementary therapies are different from alternative therapies. They’re used alongside standard medical treatment, rather than instead of it. They don’t aim to treat the cancer itself.

Complementary therapies may include:

• aromatherapy massage

• acupuncture

• reflexology

• meditation.

Many cancer centres offer these complementary therapies alongside conventional cancer treatment. Some have been shown to help improve wellbeing, reduce stress, and help people cope with the symptoms or side effects of prostate cancer and its treatment.

What about herbal medicines or supplements?

Herbal medicines and supplements are made from plants, using parts such as the leaves, roots or flowers.

An example in prostate cancer is green tea or pomegranate, which are sometimes claimed to slow cancer growth or reduce the risk of it coming back after treatment.

However, there isn’t enough evidence, so we can’t say for sure whether they help. As with many herbal medicines and supplements available, we need more research.

It's also important to remember that "natural" doesn't always mean "safe". Some herbal medicines or supplements can cause side effects, interact with prescription medicines or affect how cancer treatments work.

It’s always good to speak to your doctor or medical team before trying any complementary therapies.

Can I believe everything I read?

You may have seen articles, adverts and social media posts about therapies or products claiming to cure cancer or get rid of its side effects. These claims can sound convincing, but it's important to take a closer look before believing them.

Here are a few warning signs to watch out for:

• Little or no evidence. If there’s no reliable research to support a claim, it's worth asking whether the evidence actually exists.

• Big claims and bold promises. Words like "miracle", "breakthrough" and " cure" are often designed to grab your attention and can be misleading. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Paid for therapies and products. Just because something is available to buy doesn't mean it’s safe, effective or right for you.

• Using emotional personal stories. These can be inspiring or heartbreaking, but one person's experience isn’t the same as scientific evidence.

The best approach is to stay curious, ask questions and look for information from trusted sources. If you're unsure about something you've read or heard, talk it through with your medical team –they're here to help.

So, how can we tell if information is reliable?

Navigating the world of health information can be overwhelming. With so much information online, it can be hard to know where to start and what to trust.

A good starting point is to use well known, trusted sources such as the NHS website, our website and those of other cancer charities. These organisations regularly review and update their information to make sure it’s accurate and based on the latest evidence.

It can also help to look for the Patient Information Forum or ‘PIF’ TICK. This is a quality mark used on health information. It's a helpful sign that the information is trustworthy and evidence based. You can usually spot the PIF TICK logo at the bottom of a webpage, or on the back of leaflets and booklets.

The PIF TICK logo looks like this:

What about artificial intelligence and search summaries?

These tools can give quick answers to your questions, but they shouldn’t be your only source of health information. The problem is that they don't always get things right.

AI tools pull information together from different sources and can sometimes miss important details, use out-of-date information or even repeat misinformation that’s already online.

For something as important as your health, it’s worth checking any information you get from AI with trusted sources and your healthcare team.

Where can I find reliable information?

These websites provide evidence-based information and are a good place to start if you want to find out more about alternative and complementary therapies.

• Prostate Cancer UK: Our specialist nurses are on hand to answer any questions you may have about your prostate cancer. We also have information about living with and after prostate cancer, including diet and which foods to eat or avoid.

• The NHS website: Here you’ll find information on herbal medicines and complementary therapies, including those available on the NHS.

• Cancer Research UK: Their website has information about complementary and alternative therapies used in cancer care.

• Macmillan Cancer Support: Their website has information on alternative therapies and complementary therapies, including herbs and plant extracts.

• The National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM): Here you’ll find a list of different therapies commonly used in cancer care.

Three top tips to remember

When looking into alternative or complementary therapies, remember:

• If you find a therapy claiming to be an alternative to conventional treatment and it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• If someone is asking you to pay for a therapy, supplement or product, take a step back and question who they are, what they’re selling and what evidence they have.

• Always speak to your doctor, specialist nurse or medical team before trying any alternative or complementary therapies. They can advise whether it’s safe and suitable for you.

Finally, be honest with your medical team. If you're worried about something or unsure what to do, tell them. They’re here to help.