Cancer Care and Naturopathic Medicine
by Dr Steven Jones
The field of oncology is far reaching. There have been significant advancements in the area of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the support and treatment of those diagnosed with cancer. We are at the point where most of us realize that there is a place for CAM within our scope of treatment options. Often though, people assume that with this diagnosis they must conform to the established medicine which largely involves surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Statistically speaking these may be very useful medical interventions. However, in most, if not all cases, an individual can greatly benefit from integrating Naturopathic Medicine in their cancer care program.
Within the Naturopathic Scope of Practice, there are many treatments and supportive measures that can be incorporated into any person’s treatment plan. It is not a matter of choosing traditional treatments or Naturopathic Medicine. It is possible to incorporate both. The reality is that, at very least, everybody can benefit from nutritional and lifestyle support through this important time. If one chooses to move forward with more advance Naturopathic treatments, the clinical outcome can be significant.
I often hear that natural treatments in cancer care are not founded on science and that there is no proof that these treatments work. On the contrary, there is an exhausting list of resources and references that support the effectiveness of these therapies. Secondly, there is a concern that there may be interactions between conventional medical treatments and CAM treatments. I do agree that caution must be taken when combining therapies. However, a skilled and knowledgeable Naturopathic Physician does realize this and takes this into account as he/she helps guide you through this process, along with others on your health care team.
Over the next few months I will outline the different areas of support that Naturopathic Medicine offers. Topics will include basis nutrition, lifestyle influences, nutritional supplementation, and some of the more advanced Naturopathic treatments.
Please feel free to comment and call (604-876-1150) or e-mail me with your questions.
Dr Steven Jones ND