Integrative Oncologists apply the art and science of Naturopathic medicine to the field of cancer care and treatment. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) who specialize in oncology work in both hospitals and in private practices. They bring their wisdom, perspective, and experience to support patients who are given a cancer diagnosis on their cancer journey.
Naturopathic doctors specializing in integrative oncology have a deep understanding of the standard treatments utilized by medical oncologists, such as: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. They know how best to work with both conventional and naturopathic therapies in a collaborative and integrative approach to cancer care. NDs are able to make patient-specific recommendations that are safe and have no known interactions with a patient’s current treatment plan, are evidence-based, and can help improve overall outcomes and quality of life.
The following principles are applied to naturopathic oncology:
- Create a safe place for patients
- Empower patients to make educated decisions for themselves regarding their treatment options.
- Recognize all associated illnesses or trauma involved physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
- Determine the underlying causes of illness by utilizing history, physical exam, lab tests, imaging.
- Determine the best tool for the individual at any given time that supports the innate ability to heal such as: nutrition, supplements, pharmaceuticals, physical modalities, acupuncture, counseling, homeopathy, IV therapy, herbal medicine, etc.
- Collaborate with all of the patient’s health care providers in order to best help and support the patient on their cancer journey.
What are the Outcomes of Integrative Oncology?
- Create and hold a safe space for patients on their cancer journey.
- Recognize all associated illnesses or trauma involved physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
- Prevent and manage the side effects of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Manage and recommend evidence-based naturopathic interventions for cancer care safely – without interfering with your current treatment.
- Recommend lifestyle and nutritional support to help build and maintain a well-rounded healthy life.
- Bridge communications with your medical oncologist – we work as a team for the best clinical outcomes.
- Build a survivorship program to help you maintain optimal health and live your best life.
