What is integrative cancer care?
Integrative cancer care (ICC) combines conventional medical therapies with complementary and alternative therapies to address the individual needs of each patient. This approach recognizes that cancer is a complex disease that affects the whole person and requires a multidimensional approach to treatment.
ICC may include a range of therapies such as IV therapy, acupuncture, nutritional counselling and herbal medicine. These therapies are used in conjunction with standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
The goal of ICC is to improve the quality of life of cancer patients by addressing their physical and emotional needs, reducing side effects of cancer treatment, and enhancing the body's natural healing processes.
Naturopathic Medicine Recognizes that each patient and cancer type is unique. NDs prioritize the development of personalized patient care strategies that integrate both conventional therapies and evidence-informed naturopathic protocols. The ultimate objectives are to enhance overall survival rates and improve quality of life. NDs strive to achieve these outcomes through a comprehensive and holistic approach to cancer care.
The Specific Components of integrative cancer care
Which may vary depending on the individual patient and their specific needs, but can include therapies such as:
IV Therapy: High dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C is a widely utilized complementary therapy in cancer care. It is frequently employed alongside conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy to enhance their effectiveness.Studies have indicated that high dose IV vitamin C can contribute to a reduction in tumor volume, expedited recovery time following surgery, and improved overall quality of life and treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
Mistletoe: Mistletoe also known as Viscum album extract, is a complementary treatment approach that has gained attention in the field of cancer care. Derived from the European mistletoe plant, this therapy involves injecting extracts from mistletoe into the body to stimulate the immune system and potentially inhibit tumor growth.Mistletoe therapy is often used alongside conventional cancer treatments to improve the immune response. Studies suggest potential benefits such as improved quality of life, reduced side effects, and prolonged survival in certain types of cancer.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture can effectively complement conventional treatments by managing symptoms and side effects. Acupuncture has shown to be effective in alleviating pain, reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, combating fatigue, easing anxiety, and even mitigating hot flashes caused by hormonal therapies.
Nutrition and Supplements: Nutrition plays a significant role in supporting cancer patients throughout their treatment journey. When it comes to cancer, functional nutrition emphasizes the importance of nourishing the body, supporting the immune system, and reducing inflammation.
Conventional Therapies: ICC recognizes the importance of conventional therapies such as radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapies. ICC is not an alternative to conventional care, but rather a complimentary approach.
In addition to the treatments above, ICC places a large emphasis on patient education and support. NDs believe in empowering you with the knowledge so that you can make informed decisions about your health.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of Integrative cancer care? Please call or go online to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.