The same 2005 review finds acupuncture to be more effective than other CAM treatments, but no more effective than conventional therapy.

You may also be able to save on CAM treatments by using pretax money from a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending arrangement (FSA).

However, researchers do not know how safe many CAM treatments are or how well they work.

The report did not address whether CAM treatments were actually effective and Ernst described it as "complete misleading rubbish."

For additional information about levels of evidence analysis of CAM treatments for cancer, refer to Levels of Evidence for Human Studies of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Although they may not advertise the fact, some insurers will rubber-stamp CAM treatments if they are prescribed by a physician.

WholeHealth Chicago submitted a detailed claim to the insurer that included a prescription for the CAM treatments and receipts that used standard diagnostic and treatment codes.

Information on seeking CAM treatment.

CAM treatments do not work for everyone, but some methods such as acupuncture might help with nausea, pain and other side effects of cancer treatment.

Claims of CAM treatments are often taught in a way that discourages testing them or even questioning them.