Integrated Cancer Support

Woman comforting cancer patient Integrative oncology providers (ND Oncs) play an important role in cancer care, seeking to educate, help manage side effects of cancer treatment, improve overall response, help prevent recurrence, and to optimize health. To help achieve positive patient outcomes, ND Oncs use a wide range of natural therapeutics and supportive strategies based on clinical trials, long-standing traditional use, and patient preference. It is essential that patients receive guidance in the use of integrative therapeutic options from high-quality care providers.

The practice of Integrative Oncology

Integrative oncology provides patients with safe options for combining conventional cancer treatment with natural and supportive therapies. The goal of this collaboration among multi-disciplinary health care providers is to best support optimal health and well-being: physically, mentally and emotionally.

Within this model of integrative oncology, all providers work together to improve quality of life. Patients benefit from a coordinated approach to care as Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) collaborate with conventional providers at all stages:

  • At the time of diagnosis: to prepare the patient for what lies ahead.
  • During active treatment: to reduce side effects and potentially improve response to conventional care.
  • Post-treatment: to help with recovery and support prevention of recurrence with healthy lifestyle education.

Medical oncologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists focus their conventional, standard of care treatment on targeting tumor eradication.

NDs practicing integrative cancer care use natural and supportive therapies to reduce side effects, to help optimize conventional care and prevent recurrence.

The integrative oncology approach allows for shared medical record among providers, a higher standard of safety, and optimal patient-centered care.

Taken from the OncANP Principles of Care Document and the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians Website. Click  here to learn more: www.oncanp.org