What is Naturopathic Oncology?

Naturopathic oncology is an emerging field in cancer treatment that uses natural methods for healing in conjunction with traditional medical treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Also called Integrative Cancer Care (ICC), the goal of this blending of medical approaches is to enhance survival and quality of life for cancer patients.

What Does a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) Do For Cancer Patients?

According to the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the role of the naturopathic physician regarding cancer treatment includes:

· Medical intervention using natural therapeutics and physical medicines

· Cancer prevention strategies

· Mitigating side effects and enhancing benefits of standard cancer treatments

· Improving disease-free survival

· Preventing cancer progression, spread, and recurrence

· Emotional support

· Improving quality of life

· Improving quality of death through palliative care

· Educating patients about complementary and alternative treatments

· Communication with other members of the treatment team

Some naturopathic therapies are used to minimize the side effects of conventional cancer treatments or as a way to improve certain treatment’s cure rates. Some research point to the notion that some cancer therapies that work by attacking cancer at the molecular level or by boosting a patients’ immune systems, might benefit from being administered along with certain naturopathic therapies.

Where to Get Naturopathic Cancer Care

Seeing a Naturopathic Oncologist or consulting with an Integrated Cancer Care facility are a patient’s best bet for safely incorporating natural therapies into a holistic cancer treatment plan. Most medical doctors are not educated on naturopathy as an adjunct to standard cancer treatment, and mixing herbs or other remedies with chemotherapy on your own can be dangerous.

Cancer patients hoping to improve their survival rates, ease their symptoms, and improve their quality of life can do so under the supervision of their naturopathic healthcare professional, working closely with their medical treatment team. This integrated approach gives cancer patients the best chance at a healthy future.