What is integrative oncology?
Integrative oncology is an approach to cancer care that utilizes various supportive therapies to complement traditional cancer treatment methods 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?
Throughout my 8 years of treating patients, I have seen firsthand the shock and feeling of helplessness when a person is diagnosed with cancer. Integrative oncology offers 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, these integrative offerings can help manage side effects, provide stress relief and may even help with treatment adherence and results.
How does integrative oncology work with my treatment plan?
When a patient comes in for their consultation, I work with them to create a personalized plan that utilizes both conventional treatments and integrative services to help meet their treatment goals. For example, I will order lab tests to help me understand a patient’s current nutritional needs and stress levels, which will help me understand what additional resources they need to be referred for, such as a nutritionist, support group or counselor. Working together with the patient, I monitor them throughout treatment.
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 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 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 there our doctors can order the appropriate functional medicine tests to help identify an appropriate integrative oncology regimen based on your individual needs and goals.
Discover the transformative power of Integrative Oncology in Redmond, WA, as aim4healthnw.com delves into its holistic approach to cancer care.
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