Integrative Cancer Care
Nearly 1 in 2 Canadians will now face a diagnosis of cancer in their lifetime. And with that diagnosis, everything can change in an instant. It often brings an immense amount of uncertainty, fear, and a sense of being overwhelmed by the many decisions that lie ahead. Alongside the emotional impact of cancer, treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and endocrine therapy can place significant demands on the body and affect quality of life in many ways, both short- and long-term. It is a time when someone can feel powerless in the face of cancer treatments that are life-saving, but that often leave them with difficult side effects that can profoundly affect quality of life and wellbeing. Many people understandably seek out support for this with online searching of ‘natural therapies for cancer’, but are unsure of what is helpful, and, most importantly, safe alongside their treatments.
This is where Integrative Oncology comes in – it is a patient-centered approach to cancer care that combines supportive non-conventional therapies with conventional medical treatment. Rather than trying to replace standard cancer care, integrative therapies are used alongside it to help support overall health, improve well-being, and address the physical and emotional challenges that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. The goal really is to complement conventional care, ensuring safety alongside it, so someone can have the best of both conventional and integrative worlds, and feel empowered, well-informed, and stronger throughout the proces
Integrative cancer therapies can include:
- Nutrition and lifestyle counselling
- Herbal/botanical medicine
- Acupuncture
- Mind-body practices
- Nutraceuticals/natural health products
- Injection therapies (ie Mistletoe, vitamins)
- IV nutrient therapy
- and more
Your Individual Needs
Whatever approach we take, the therapies are selected based on a person’s individual needs, diagnosis, treatment plan, and goals, and are assessed regularly throughout conventional care to ensure safety, efficacy, and tolerability. Whether someone is looking simply for more in depth nutrition and lifestyle counselling, or is interested in exploring the role of IV therapy or injectables, we tailor your treatment plan to you, knowing that our role is to be supportive and sustainable, creating evidence-informed plans that aim to build strength and resilience through conventional treatment.
Many people affected by cancer seek information about natural therapies, but the volume of information available can be difficult to navigate. While some recommendations are supported by research and clinical experience, others may be ineffective or even unsafe when combined with cancer treatment. Naturopathic Doctors with additional training in integrative cancer care can help patients make informed decisions by identifying therapies that are appropriate, safe, and coordinated with their oncology team.
Every cancer experience is unique, which is why care should be individualized. Integrative oncology focuses not only on the disease itself, but also on the person living with it. Treatment plans are designed to reflect each patient’s health status, concerns, priorities, and values, while providing support for both body and mind throughout the cancer experience.
Common goals of integrative oncology care include:
- Reducing side effects associated with cancer treatments
- Improving quality of life and overall well-being
- Supporting treatment outcomes when appropriate
- Optimizing nutrition and metabolic health
- Supporting healthy immune function
- Promoting recovery during and after treatment
- Addressing fatigue, sleep concerns, stress, and emotional health
- Ensuring the safe use of natural health products alongside conventional therapies
- Supporting long-term wellness and reducing future cancer risk
By combining the strengths of conventional medicine with supportive integrative therapies, it is possible to create a more comprehensive approach to cancer care, where people feel informed, empowered, and deeply supported while navigating treatment, recovery, and life beyond cancer.
Interested in more information?
Meet Dr. Martha Sharpe ND
Focusing on integrative cancer care, and helping patients navigate cancer treatment, survivorship, and menopause with compassionate, evidence-informed care.