What is an integrative approach to cancer care?

Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that uses mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments.  - Society for Integrative Oncology

Integrative medicine encourages you to focus on what is important to you in your particular situation. With integrative approaches we aim to help you optimize health, quality of life and become an active partner in your cancer treatment. The suggestions do not interfere with the treatment you are getting from your cancer team, they support it.

Foundational ways to support yourself during cancer treatment

How we eat, move and recharge are key to feeling your best under any situation. 

Focus on nourishing foods that are plant based and minimally processed as much as possible. Acknowledge that what you eat will be influenced by tastes change, stomach upset and fatigue. Have easy to prepare foods available. Frozen and many canned vegetables and fruit provide nutrients and phytonutrients that promote health. Eating smaller meals more frequently and avoiding “heavy” meals and foods that have a high fat content can help with GI upset.  Sometimes cooked vegetables feel better on your stomach. During chemotherapy taste changes may occur. Choose appealing foods. Cold or room temperature foods may be better tolerated.

The data to support exercise during cancer treatment is very strong.^1,2 The benefit is independent of your choice of movement. Fatigue and other side effects, during cancer therapy may make it harder to be active. Even if you are unable to do as much as before it is important to keep moving. Continuing to move helps with side effects³, improves sleep⁴ and helps you have some control of what is happening. Even if you didn’t exercise before cancer treatment you can safely exercise and gain benefit. Start slow and be consistent. Exercise during a part of the day when you have the most energy. Get friends and family to do it with you. 

Recharging through adequate sleep and energy management will help deal with the fatigue that often comes with cancer treatment.⁵ Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on days when sleep is challenging. On those days, short naps before 2pm can help you feel less fatigued. Get morning sunlight if you can. Avoid caffeine too late in the day. Develop a routine to wind down that might include relaxation techniques, gentile yoga or meditation.