A cancer diagnosis and the treatments that follow are often life-saving but can be extremely taxing, physically and psychologically. It’s a process that typically makes people want to do whatever they can to help their body, control debilitating side effects and enhance their quality of life. And that is where integrative oncology steps in to the rescue – and empowers us.

As a naturopath, I believe that integrative oncology is an evidence-informed, client-centred approach to cancer care that thoughtfully combines conventional with natural and complementary therapies for which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness.

It’s about building out a full plan of care that addresses a person as a whole, in addition to fighting a disease.

What is Integrative Oncology? (And What It Is Not)

It is important to note that integrative oncology is not alternative medicine. This is an extremely dangerous path that has been associated with lower survival.

Integrative oncology, on the other hand, is designed to complement and work side-by-side with your oncology team. It uses evidence-based natural therapies to target the following goals:

Manage treatment-related side effects (e.g., fatigue, nausea, pain).
Support emotional and mental well-being.
Improve physical strength and resilience.
Give you the power to take charge of your own healing.

It’s about responsibly combining two things that work the best together to promote health for you on your way through cancer.

The Pillars of Integrative Support

Evidence-based practices underpin integrative oncology, which may be categorised into three types as follows:

Lifestyle Modifications

This is the foundation of supporting your body’s natural healing ability.

Nutrition: No diet ‘cures’ cancer, but a whole-food, plant-rich eating plan supplies the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals your body needs to heal and function. A trained professional can help you with the navigations of nutritional needs during treatment, managing side effects like altered taste or poor appetite, and directing you away from dangerous, restricted diets that are unsupported by science.
Exercise: For warding off cancer-related fatigue, exercise is as good as it gets. Light, regular movement such as walking, yoga or tai chi can also help improve mood, support heart health and preserve muscle mass. A knowledgeable practitioner can help customise a plan for your safety and effectiveness.
Stress Management & Sleep: Diagnosis of cancer can be very stressful, and treatments can greatly affect our sleep. Mind-body methods such as mindfulness meditation, guided imagery and breathing techniques can lower levels of anxiety and depression. Prioritising sleep is a must, as it is when your body does its most important repair work.

A Cautious, Guided Approach to Natural Products

Many clients are interested in using herbs and other natural supplements. But this is where professional advice is most important. ‘Natural’ is not always safe, especially when you are in the active throes of cancer treatment.

Risk of Interaction: Certain antioxidants may lessen the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation. Phytoestrogenic herbs would be contraindicated in hormone-dependent cancers. Other supplements can alter the ability of blood to clot or interact with medications.
Quality and Safety: The supplement industry is not well-regulated, with issues of product contamination, adulteration, and misbranding.

This is exactly the reason why you should never self-prescribe. Partnering with a naturopath who is trained in integrative oncology means that recommended supplements are evidence-based, safe to take along with your specific treatments and from standardised professional-grade, trustworthy sources.

Your Partner in Health

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be difficult. An integrative oncology practitioner is your advocate and partner, guiding you to make informed decisions that benefit your body and brain. My goal is to partner with your oncologists and physicians to develop a safe, individualised, holistic treatment plan that respects your desire and willingness to be actively involved in your own healing.

If you’d like to discover more about evidence-based natural care designed to optimise your wellbeing during cancer treatment and after your treatment has finished, please reach out and make an inquiry or book a consultation online today.