Integrative Oncology: Combining Traditional and Natural Treatment for Cancer
By Jill Kenney, ND
hoosing the best natural therapies to combine safely with conventional treatments can be difficult and is vitally important to get right. Studies estimate that over 80% of people with cancer are using natural and supportive therapies along with their conventional treatments. Integrative oncology allows patients to combine traditional cancer treatments and natural therapies during various stages of treatment. Integrative oncology utilizes lifestyle medicine, evidence based supple- ments, botanical, and nutritional support to reduce side effects associated with treatment and to optimize response to conven- tional care. Generally, naturopathic doctors who specialize in integrative oncology believe it’s vital to support the whole person and nourish the whole body while the cancer is being treated or after the cancer has been removed.
C Introduction to Integrative Oncology
Natural medicine can support patients in various stages of treatment including before and after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. In addition, patients in survivorship following success- ful cancer treatment can be supported with natural medicine and techniques. Each of these areas requires a specialized approach as the appropriate herb or supplement will vary. Supplements that may not be safe to utilize during chemotherapy may be ben- eficial once that part of the journey is complete. Ideally, to en- sure optimal outcomes, integrative cancer care should be based on evidence and experience. Misleading assertions abound with numerous claims on the internet that a particular substance, diet or approach can cure cancer, and it is essential for patients to discern the healthy, helpful and healing interventions from those that harm.
Surgery: Preparation prior to surgery is essential. Modern protocols, referred to as Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, recog- nize the importance of proper nutrition, hydration, and activity prior to surgery. Before surgery, it is safest to stop all supple- ments. After surgery, specific supplements and herbs can help with healing. Zinc and Vitamin C can promote wound healing and are commonly employed.
Chemotherapy: During chemotherapy, some herbs and supplements are safe while others can alter important enzymes in the liver that metabolize chemotherapy and other substances. It is therefore important to avoid treatments that alter this CYP450 system and interfere with chemotherapy. Examples to avoid dur- ing chemotherapy include St. John’s Wort, grapefruit, rosemary,
28 Natural Nutmeg - October 2019
alcohol, tobacco and yohimbe. Herbs nonetheless are an essential component of integrative oncology care, and properly selected herbs can be helpful for nausea, fatigue, vomiting, mucositis and peripheral neuropathy.
Survivorship: Naturopathic medicine lends itself very well to
survivorship. It is important to remember that once a patient is in remission, the lingering effects of the cancer or therapy should be addressed. Patients often feel depleted and some seek detoxifica- tion while others need to focus on balancing hormones especially in the case of hormonal cancers (breast and prostate). Supple- ments, herbs and homeopathy can help with chronic fatigue, constipation, inflammation, diarrhea, anxiety, and depression.
Naturopathic Medicine Office Visit
An initial visit with a licensed naturopathic physician who specializes in integrative cancer care is typically an hour to an hour and a half. The physician should be a graduate of a 4-year, accredited naturopathic medical school and a licensed provider. During the visit, the patient’s history, including a detailed onco- logic and overall health history are discussed. The cancer diag- nosis, stage, and treatment plan are reviewed, and importantly, the patient’s health goals are clarified. In addition to assessing the patient’s past medical history, the naturopath and patient will review important determinants of health including sleep, exercise, diet and exposures.
An individualized, holistic plan is developed including nu-
tritional advice as well as recommendations for natural therapies, exercise, herbs and supplements. These plans will change along with the patient’s disease state. As one part of treatment concludes, treatment plans will change accordingly to support and nour- ish the body during the next stage of treatment. One of the core naturopathic principles is the importance of the doctor’s role as teacher, emphasizing the importance of educating and empower- ing patients to take control of their health. Counseling and educa- tion form a critical part of the visit.
Diets for Cancer Patients Based on evidence and experience, one of the essential tasks
for the integrative oncology provider is to help differentiate fads from helpful advances. This is particularly important in the area of nutrition, where new diets are frequently touted for their possible anti-cancer benefits. Determining the right nutrition plan can be a common challenge.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
