Diagnosis Distress: Understanding How Adjunctive Cancer Care Empowers People With Cancer
Research Revolution
We have shifted from a society that relies on doctors for all of our health-related advice to one where people seek out answers for themselves. There is an abundance of medical-type literature available thanks to the internet and I encourage clients to do some of their own research. This task can be overwhelming but can also bring insight and will empower you! Working with a naturopathic doctor who has been trained in adjunctive cancer care can bring greater understanding to these investigations, and bring clarity to your diagnosis, treatment options and complimentary therapies that would suit your individual case.
A Dream Team
Today there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that any natural treatment should be chosen instead of the conventional treatments (generally a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation). However, there is research – published and ongoing – that supports the use of naturopathic treatments in combination with those conventional therapies. Integration and teamwork is an important part of helping you navigate a cancer diagnosis and is at the heart of adjunctive cancer care. By working within the oncology community and pairing these treatments, a naturopathic doctor can help you get through chemotherapy and radiation with less side effects, help to manage delays in treatment that can occur and improve your overall sense of wellness during treatment. Once your conventional treatments are complete, adjunctive cancer care can ease remaining side effects like brain fog, fatigue or pain and decrease likelihood of recurrence.
Solo is a No-Go!
Many natural treatments have the potential to interact with conventional treatments or decrease their effectiveness. Before starting any new treatment, it is important to see a naturopath to discuss what you’ve come across and whether that is a good fit for you. Do not try to go it alone! A naturopath who has been trained in adjunctive cancer care can help you assess resources and implement the right treatment options for you, without hindering your conventional care or causing potentially harmful interactions.
Top –Drawer Therapies
All treatment plans are developed on an individual basis with each person’s unique goals in mind, generally selecting from the list below.
- Supplements Selection
- Nutrition Optimization
- Lifestyle Coaching
- Mindfulness
- Stress Management
- Acupuncture
- Hydrotherapy
- IV Therapy
If you have more questions about whether adjunctive cancer care is right for you, Sage Clinic offers a complimentary 15-minute consultation where you can meet Dr. Gair.
By Dr. Alaina Gair of Sage Naturopathic Clinic