What Else To Do During Cancer Care?

I know the power of natural medicine. I know the need for bringing natural integrative therapies deeper and more broadly into the medical landscape. So I was thrilled to see The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) endorse a set of guidelines produced by the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO). This evidence-based set of recommendations highlights the efficacy of natural and integrative approaches both during cancer care and afterward to improve health outcomes. The ASCO Expert Panel concluded that the guidelines are “clear, thorough and based on the most relevant scientific evidence.”

Heather Greenlee ND, PhD, a licensed naturopathic doctor and Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, co-chaired the SIO Committee which created this document and says, that, “Studies show that up to 80 percent of people with a history of cancer use one or more complementary and integrative therapies, but until recently, evidence supporting the use of many of these therapies had been limited.”

With over 80 various modalities reviewed and judged by level of evidence, here are some recommendations supported by studying the research:

-Use of music therapy, meditation, stress management and yoga for anxiety and stress reduction

-Use of meditation, relaxation, yoga, massage and music therapy for depression and mood disorders

-Use of meditation and yoga to improve quality of life

-Use of acupressure and acupuncture for reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Continued assessment of ongoing research related to integrative therapies during and after cancer care will encourage doctors to recommend these therapies and insurance companies to pay for them. This endorsement is good news for people the midst of cancer care and for the many people living productive lives who also happen to have cancer.

#naturopathic, #naturopathic medicine, #breastcancer