FirstHealth is proud to offer integrative oncology as a way to enhance care delivery and combine conventional treatments with complementary services. Our goal is to improve the quality of a patient's life, reduce the side effects of cancer treatments and help patients take an active role in their care journey.
What is Integrative Oncology?
Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. Integrative oncology aims to optimize health, quality of life and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during and beyond cancer treatment.
Comprehensive evidence-based guidelines for incorporating complementary and integrative therapies into conventional oncology clinical practice have been developed by the Society of Integrative Oncology (ISO) in conjunction with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Research shows combining integrative oncology approaches with traditional treatment methods benefits both patients and caregivers with enhanced quality of life and improved clinical outcomes. Integrative oncology engages the mind and body while incorporating natural products and embracing lifestyle modifications.
Benefits of an Integrative Oncology program
We provide comprehensive consultation and evidence-based evaluation and recommendations for:
- Management of side effects of cancer and cancer treatment, including hot flashes, neuropathy, anxiety and joint pain.
- Health lifestyle recommendations and guidance to help reduce the risk of recurrence and better management of co-morbidities.
- Guidance for safe and appropriate use of supplements, herbs and vitamins.
- Evidence-based nutrition recommendations in conjunction with cancer dietitians.
- Physical activity recommendations, guidance and connection to resources in coordination with Cancer Wellness Team.
- Recommendations and connection to integrative therapies.
Who can participate in integrative therapies?
Patients who have been identified as high risk for developing cancer (i.e., BRCA +) and could benefit from risk reduction consultation.
Patients must have had a diagnosis of cancer or be at risk of developing cancer. Patient may be actively treated or in the surveillance stage.
