• Dr. Nancy Snyderman answers questions about complementary medicine

    At the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, one of the oldest cancer treatment centers in the world, complimentary therapies such as hypnosis and Tai Chi are now regularly offered to patients. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.

    Monday on "NBC Nightly News," Dr. Nancy Snyderman examined complementary medicine in the first segment of a two-part series called 'What's the Alternative?' Tune in Tuesday to see part two: alternatives to the treatment of back pain. 

    Americans spend billions on complementary medicine each year, from acupuncture to herbal remedies. In Dr. Snyderman's first report she talked with patients who use these methods for cancer treatment.

    Diane Miller, breast cancer survivor, and Dr. Barrie Cassileth, Chief of Integrative Medicine Service at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, on what Dr. Cassileth calls "a very evidence-based, rational approach to symptom control."     

    Dr. Snyderman fielded questions online about complementary therapies Monday during a moderated chat where she answered as many queries as possible during a half-hour time period. 

    Please click on the box below to review the conversation.