Naturopathic doctors (ND) support patients with cancer to use natural therapies safely and seek to maximally support overall health, fight disease processes, and prevent or reduce side effects of standard cancer treatment regimens for patients who utilize them.
Naturopathic doctors who specialize in naturopathic oncology understand both the standard treatments employed by medical, radiation and surgical oncologists and how best to work in a collaborative model of cancer co-treatment. They often help patients maintain their oncology treatment regimens and provide vital support for reducing side effects of those treatments. Naturopathic doctors are well aware of the multitude of 'alternative therapies' promoted to cure cancer and work to educate patients on evidence-based treatment modalities.
There are many ways in which naturopathic oncology care can benefit patients. Many patients experience side effects from chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, including hot flashes, insomnia, taste changes, mouth sores, fatigue, bowel changes, nausea and neuropathy. Naturopathic medicine can help to prevent and minimize the risk of these side effects so that patients can maintain their regular treatment schedule without interruption, and can help resolve lingering side effects from conventional treatment.
Screening for any potential interactions between conventional and natural cancer therapies is another important component of integrative cancer care, as these interactions may affect the efficacy of treatment.
After patients have completed treatment, we work to support the natural cancer-fighting ability of the immune system to help prevent recurrences or other types of cancer. We always look at each patient as a whole person, not just a diagnosis, and strive to maintain optimal functioning in all areas of health and wellness.
Prevent and minimize the risk of side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery:
ChemotherapyScreen for any potential interactions between conventional cancer therapies and natural products that may affect the efficacy of conventional treatment.
Resolve lingering side effects from conventional treatment such as neuropathy, hot flashes, cardiovascular and bone health, and sexual dysfunction.
Support the natural cancer-fighting ability of the immune system to help prevent recurrences and/or other types of cancer.
The Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians initiated a credentialing process for naturopathic doctors in 2006. A separate and independent board, the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (ABNO) was established to oversee the process and work with the Board of Medical Examiners to develop standards for credentialing, including training requirements, application process and board certification exams.
Naturopathic doctors who meet standards representative of advanced experience and knowledge in cancer care are eligible for board certification in Naturopathic Oncology and can be awarded the status of Fellow by the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology after completing requirements and passing a board examination. Fellows of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO) meet the highest standard of the profession as specialists in naturopathic oncology.Integrative Oncology is the integration between Evidence Based Complementary Medicine (Naturopathy) with your conventional Oncology treatments. Our naturopathic doctors who specialize in integrative oncology give patients access to treatments that support conventional cancer therapy, minimize common side effects, and support immune response.
Integrative takes a more holistic approach, educate patients about standard methods of treatment while emphasizing the benefits of augmenting these practices with integrative medicine to support the immune system and minimize negative side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
The integrative approach will help improve the quality of life and decrease the symptoms of side-effects in cancer patients, to a great extent. Your care plan may incorporate supportive services such as nutritional counseling, skin & body care, IV nutritional therapy, and acupuncture therapy.
Our Naturopathic doctors who specialize in integrative oncology, will decide the care plan depending on your diagnosis and stage of cancer treatment or recovery, your care plan may incorporate supportive services.
Our Licensed Naturopathic doctors who specialize in integrative oncology will prescribe some high-quality nutrients and supplements which are available in the clinic and through our online store.