“But does it work?”

You’ve probably asked that question when a friend or neighbor told you about something new they were doing to feel better.

When it comes to integrative health care for people with cancer experiencing anxiety and depression, we can now give a qualified “yes.” Two highly regarded medical organizations, the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) recently completed a joint evaluation of integrative approaches to anxiety and depression relief and published new guidelines. Guidelines are based on a summary of the latest evidence and should be what health care practitioners follow when treating their patients.

Anxiety and depression are common in people with cancer, their family members, and caregivers. As the ASCO and SIO guidelines note, adults diagnosed with cancer report higher stress levels than those without cancer. The most stressful times appear to be around the time of diagnosis and at the start of treatment.

Today, many cancer centers and hospitals offer some integrative care, such as yoga classes for women healing from breast cancer. But which integrative health approaches help anxiety? Which are better for depression? And is there a difference in when you try them or what they can help?

Again, it appears that the answer is yes, though, as always, we need more research to fully explore the benefits of integrative approaches.

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