What Is Integrative Oncology
Recent blog posts about celebrities with cancer have alluded to integrative oncology in general. Let’s get more specific about just what is considered integrative oncology.
Integrative oncology is a subset of integrative medicine. Integrative medicine acknowledges the essentiality of conventional medicine, the treatment of illnesses principally with drugs and surgery. Practitioners of integrative medicine seek to complement conventional treatments with treatment directed toward the whole person, not just the illness. It looks at almost every aspect of the mind, body, and soul as contributing to overall health. It accepts that, in most cases, the patient possesses most of the resources for healing himself or herself. Note that this is not “alternative” medicine which is viewed as treatment in lieu of, rather than in conjunction with, conventional treatment. Likewise, integrative oncology is the practice of cancer treatments that reduce the duration, level, and harmful effects of conventional treatment. Many types of integrative therapy are scientifically proven to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation or to ensure better results of surgery.
Examples of integrative cancer therapies include, but are not limited to, nutrition management, special diets, supplemental vitamins and minerals, mind/body interaction, meditation, prayer, immune system enhancement, special exercises, hyperthermia, oxygenation, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, aroma therapy, music therapy, laser surgery, anti-angiogenesis, chelation, detoxification, and vaccines. Almost all of these examples have solid evidence-based validity. However, only a small percentage of oncologists have expertise in their practice.
Come back to this site every day as I highlight a particular integrative oncology practice each day for your information. Join the movement toward a new strategy for the war on cancer.