Cancer Treatment Side Effects & Supportive and Palliative Care
Anxiety
In people who are experiencing cancer, anxiety may be associated to all stages of cancer from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. Waiting for the results of a test, undergoing surgery, chemotherapy or radiation treatment are all experiences that may be associated with increased anxiety. Treating anxiety is important because anxiety is known to exacerbate pain, cause sleep problems, and increase nausea and vomiting.
Meditation for anxiety
Studies have shown that meditation may help people suffering from cancer related anxiety. For more information on meditation and how to choose a meditation instructor, please visit our Meditation page.
Acupuncture for anxiety
Studies have shown that acupuncture may help people suffering from cancer-related anxiety, either because of the cancer diagnosis or anxiety related to undergoing procedures.
5-HTP for anxiety
5-HTP is a supplement that acts in the body as a precursor of serotonin (neurotransmitter). Clinical naturopathic practice has shown that in doses of 50-150 mg/day orally taken with a meal, 5-HTP may help some people cope with anxiety related to cancer.