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alternative medicine

(all-TER-nuh-tiv MEH-dih-sin)
Treatments that are used instead of standard treatments. Standard treatments are based on the results of scientific research and are currently accepted and widely used. Less research has been done for most types of alternative medicine. Alternative medicine may include special diets, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, and magnet therapy. For example, a special diet may be used instead of anticancer drugs as a treatment for cancer.
More Information
Search NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms