Top 5 Supportive Therapies to Ease Cancer Symptoms

Living with cancer often means dealing with symptoms like pain, nausea, fatigue and stress. Alongside medical treatment, gentle complementary approaches may help ease these side effects and make day-to-day life more comfortable. Research shows that effectively managing symptoms can greatly improve quality of life for people with cancer. The five options below are patient-friendly, evidence-based ways to reduce discomfort and stress during cancer care.

Mindfulness meditation for stress and pain

Meditation or mindfulness exercises are simple techniques that can help manage pain and anxiety. Studies suggest that cancer patients who practice mindfulness often report better mood and overall well-being. For example, one trial of cancer outpatients who joined a short mindfulness meditation programme saw significantly higher quality-of-life scores afterward. Likewise, a 2024 systematic review found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) significantly reduced anxiety, depression and fear in breast cancer patients, while improving their coping ability.

Even just a few minutes of deep breathing or guided relaxation each day can bring some relief. Mindfulness practices are very safe (no special equipment needed) and can be done alone or in a group. Over time, this gentle habit often leads to feeling more in control of pain and less overwhelmed by worry.

Medical cannabis for pain (and nausea)

For some people with severe cancer pain, medical cannabis prescribed by a doctor may be an option. Limited research suggests cannabis may help ease cancer-related pain as well as chemotherapy-induced nausea. For example, a 2024 review of medicinal cannabis in palliative care found limited evidence that cannabis use can help with pain, appetite, nausea and sleep problems in cancer patients. Another review focusing specifically on cancer pain reported that cannabis extracts or THC/CBD sprays reduced chronic neuropathic pain in advanced cancer patients.

However, cannabis can cause side effects like drowsiness or dizziness, so it should only be used under medical supervision. If you are considering this option, discuss it with your oncologist who can advise on if this is an option you should explore and provide advice around doing so safely. If you wish, you can book an appointment to discuss specifics doses and regimes with our Cannabinoid doctors. Used responsibly, it may become a helpful part of symptom relief alongside standard treatments.

Ginger, diet and acupressure for nausea

Nausea and appetite loss are common during cancer treatment. Fortunately, simple remedies can help calm the stomach. These approaches are low-risk and can be used alongside prescribed anti-nausea medication for extra relief:

• Ginger (in food, tea or capsules): Taking about 0.5–1.0 g of ginger daily has been shown to modestly reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea.

• Wrist acupressure: Pressing the P6 point on the inner wrist (or wearing acupressure wristbands) often eases nausea. A meta-analysis found that acupressure had a protective effect against chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.

• Diet tips: Eat small, plain meals frequently (like crackers, toast or rice) and stay well-hydrated. Bland foods and light snacks tend to be easier on the stomach. Sipping ginger ale or peppermint tea, and avoiding strong smells, can also help prevent nausea.

Many patients find these soothing tricks helpful alongside their regular anti-nausea drugs.

Sleep hygiene and relaxation for better rest

Good sleep is crucial for healing, but it’s often disrupted by cancer or its treatments. Improving your sleep habits (sleep hygiene) and using relaxation techniques can make a real difference in how you feel. Try the following tips to sleep better:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to stabilise your body clock.

• Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and comfortable, and develop a calming bedtime routine (for example, gentle stretching or a warm bath).

• Avoid screens and caffeine in the late evening.

• Use relaxation aids like soft music, guided imagery or breathing exercises before bed to help your mind unwind.

Research shows that targeted sleep interventions can reduce cancer-related fatigue and significantly improve quality of life for patients. Taking steps to rest better is safe and often lifts your energy and mood over time.

Counselling and support groups for emotional health

Cancer affects not just the body but also the mind. Talking with a counsellor or joining a support group is a normal, beneficial part of care. Many patients find that these outlets help them feel less alone and more understood. One recent meta-analysis found that peer support programmes significantly improved quality of life and reduced anxiety for breast cancer patients. Similarly, a review of professionally led support groups observed clear benefits such as lower anxiety, less depression and even reduced pain levels in people with advanced cancer.

These services are widely available through hospitals, clinics or cancer charities. They complement medical care by providing practical coping strategies and emotional encouragement from people who truly understand what you are going through.

Overall, integrating these supportive therapies can make a big difference to comfort and well-being during cancer care. They are meant to work together with your medical treatment, not replace it. In fact, research shows that when symptoms are well-managed, patients experience significantly better quality of life.

Always discuss any new therapy with your healthcare team to ensure it’s safe for you. Taking even small steps can help you feel more in control and hopeful, whether it’s a brief daily meditation, sipping ginger tea or talking to a nurse. You don’t have to face cancer’s challenges alone. These patient-centred strategies are a normal part of holistic care that can help ease the journey.

References:

1. Chang Y-Y, Wang L-Y, Liu C-Y, et al. The effects of a mindfulness meditation programme on quality of life in cancer outpatients: an exploratory study. Integr Cancer Ther. 2017;17(2):363–370. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6041936/

2. Wang X, Dai Z, Zhu X, Li Y, Ma L, Cui X, Zhan T. Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on quality of life of breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2024;19(7):e0306643. Available: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0306643

3. Troyer J, Tanco KS. Review of the use of medicinal cannabis products in palliative care. Cancers (Basel). 2024;16(7):1412. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11011126/

4. Blake A, Wan BA, Malek L, et al. A selective review of medical cannabis in cancer pain management. Ann Palliat Med. 2017;6(Suppl 2):S215–S222. Available: https://doi.org/10.21037/apm.2017.08.05

5. Ryan JL, Heckler CE, Roscoe JA, et al. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces acute chemotherapy-induced nausea: a URCC CCOP study of 576 patients. Support Care Cancer. 2012;20(7):1479–1489. Available: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-011-1236-3

6. Miao J, Liu X, Wu C, et al. Effects of acupressure on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud. 2017;70:27–37. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.02.014

7. Liu D, Wu X, Huang S, Yu X. Effects of sleep interventions on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer. 2022;30(4):3043–3055. Available: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06563-5

8. Tan Y, Qin M, Liao B, et al. Effectiveness of peer support on quality of life and anxiety in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Breast Care (Basel). 2023;18(1):49–59. Available: https://doi.org/10.1159/000527849

9. Li Z, Laginha KJ, Boyle F, et al. Professionally led support groups for people living with advanced or metastatic cancer: a systematic scoping review of effectiveness and factors critical to implementation success. J Cancer Surviv. 2025;19:957–977. Available: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-023-01515-w

10. Nayak MG, George A. Effectiveness of symptom management intervention for improving the quality of life of cancer patients. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2023;24(2):587–596. Available: https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.2.587