Many complementary therapies are not regulated and may not have quality controls. Some therapies can interfere with breast cancer treatments. Safety is a concern with complementary therapies and any decision about their use should be made jointly with your health care provider.

Nutritional approaches are popular, but the FDA has limited oversight of dietary supplements. There's no guarantee that the label accurately represents what is inside the bottle. Buying from a known, reputable manufacturer may increase the likelihood that the ingredient list is accurate, the dose and strength are correct and the supplement was made under sanitary conditions and doesn't contain harmful levels of contaminants. One way to check that a manufacturer follows good practices in preparing supplements is the "USP verified" stamp on the label. For more on this, or to see if a supplement has been USP verified, visit the USP website.

When searching for a complementary therapy practitioner, the best place to start is with your health care provider. They may be able to refer you to a practitioner in your area. And many health care providers can also offer complementary therapies like massage therapy or hypnotherapy.

Finding a licensed practitioner is a good step. While it doesn't guarantee safety or level of care, it shows that the practitioner has passed the licensing requirements in the field. Before you begin therapy, schedule a meeting with the practitioner to discuss their qualifications, experience treating people with breast cancer, and their views on working with standard medical treatments. If you're not comfortable with a practitioner, keep looking until you find someone who is right for you.