Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s Complementary Therapy Research Programme has been developed in recognition of the need for greater research in areas that will ultimately help to support patients’ quality of life. The programme aims to investigate the use of complementary therapies in breast cancer management, in order to better inform breast cancer patients about the benefits and risks of using these therapies.

Many women use Complementary therapies because they want to play a more active role in their breast cancer management, to manage stress and help alleviate the side effects of conventional treatments. However, to date there has been a lack of strong scientific evidence to support the benefits, or otherwise, of these therapies and there is a very real need for more robust scientific research in this area to enable all patients and health professionals to make informed decisions on the use of these therapies.

Breakthrough’s Complementary Therapy Research Programme focuses on the use of complementary therapies to alleviate the side effects of conventional treatments and to investigate their potential interaction with conventional treatments. In October 2007 Breakthrough launched ACU.FATIGUE, the first study to be funded under this programme.

Funding Opportunities


There are currently no funding opportunities under this funding stream; however we look forward to updating you with further information in the future.

For more information on the Complementary Therapy Research Programme, please contact Julie Flynn (Senior Research Development Officer) 0207 0252 400 or complementarytherapies@breakthrough.org.uk