What is Integrative Oncology and how does it benefit your cancer journey?
What is integrative oncology?
Integrative oncology is an approach to cancer care that utilizes various supportive therapies to complement traditional cancer treatment method such as medical oncology, radiation therapy or surgery. It helps use your own immune system and your natural faculties, such as your mind and spirit, to optimize your body to stay strong throughout the cancer treatment process and beyond.
Why should I consider integrative oncology?
Often, feelings of shock and helplessness surface when a person is diagnosed with cancer. Integrative oncology can offer a sense of empowerment and the ability to take back some control over their life and cancer journey.
Additionally, when used in conjunction with standard treatment methods, integrative offerings can help manage side effects, provide stress relief and may even help with treatment adherence and results.
What are some myths about integrative oncology?
Myth #1
- Integrative oncology is alternative medicine and rejects modern medicine.
Fact
- Integrative oncology works in conjunction with your surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to help your immune system combat cancer, help you recover from treatment and lower stress levels that can contribute to the cancer growth. 1
Myth #2
- Integrative oncology is just a set of additional therapies and supplements. I can do this on my own and do not need an expert.
Fact
- Your cancer treatment plan is customized to your current state of health, type of cancer and many other factors. Some additional therapies or supplements may actually be harmful to you during your cancer journey and that is why you need to consult your physician before making changes that might affect your ability to recover and properly heal from your cancer. 2
How do I start my integrative oncology journey?
You can request a consultation from one of our radiation oncologists who offer integrative oncology as part of their cancer care program. From their our doctors can order the appropriate functional medicine tests to help identify an appropriate integrative oncology regiment based on your individual needs and goals.