Living with a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but there are ways to improve your quality of life during treatment, recovery, and beyond. One avenue gaining recognition is naturopathic cancer support. With over 80% of cancer patients in Australia incorporating some form of complementary and natural medicine alongside their conventional treatments. The importance of this integrative approach cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to ensuring your safety when choosing to use natural medicines alongside conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy and even surgery.
Naturopathic oncology is a discipline of medicine, defined by the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians as the application of the principles of naturopathic medicine to cancer care. Naturopaths must do additional training in oncology to offer guidance on natural therapies that complement conventional treatment. Collaborating with conventional providers, they aim to assess and enhance patient wellbeing physically, mentally, and emotionally.
So, how can naturopathic cancer support benefit you?
Improving Quality of Life: Naturopathic interventions focus on helping you feel better on a daily basis. By addressing symptoms and promoting overall wellness, therapies prescribed by a naturopath trained in cancer support can significantly enhance your quality of life during treatment and beyond.
Reducing Treatment Side Effects: Many natural therapies can help manage the side effects of conventional cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation. There is an extensive amount of published research in the area of side effect management using complementary medicines. From alleviating nausea and minimising peripheral neuropathy or bowel concerns to boosting energy levels, naturopathic approaches offer supportive care to mitigate these challenges.
Maximising Treatment Effectiveness: Integrating natural therapies alongside conventional treatment can optimize the results of cancer therapy. By supporting the body's natural healing processes and bolstering the immune system, naturopathic support may enhance treatment outcomes. More articles on this coming soon.
Ensure Safety: Incorporating natural medicines into a cancer journey is common however many safety concerns exist. Naturopaths training in cancer support will utilise evidence including databases and clinical frameworks to ensure your safety. Enabling you to avoid the risks of supplement:pharmaceutical interactions, therapeutic contraindications or oncology specific restrictions, even with natural supplements that are normally considered very safe and effective.
Supporting Recovery: After completing treatment, the journey to recovery can be challenging. Naturopathic care focuses on supporting the body's healing process, aiding in physical recovery, supporting the common emotional ‘end of treatment’ upheaval and promoting overall wellbeing as you transition back to a new level of health.
Reducing the Risk of Recurrence: Naturopathic interventions can also play a role in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. By addressing underlying imbalances, promoting a healthy lifestyle and utilising evidence informed strategies, these approaches aim to create an environment that is less conducive to cancer growth. More articles on this coming soon.
Improving Overall Health: Beyond cancer treatment, naturopathic support can help you improve your health despite a cancer diagnosis. By focusing on whole person wellness, including diet, lifestyle, and stress management, Naturopaths empower patients as educators to learn how to take control of their own health and PROSPER.
Naturopathic cancer support offers a comprehensive approach to improving quality of life during treatment, recovery, and beyond. By integrating natural therapies alongside conventional treatment, patients can experience enhanced wellbeing, reduced treatment side effects, and a potentially lower risk of cancer recurrence. With the guidance of a knowledgeable naturopathic Practitioner, individuals facing cancer can navigate with renewed hope, more confidence and greater sense of wellbeing.
"People often leave their first PROSPER consultation saying 'I feel so heard, more confident, supported and empowered' this is why we are so proud of the service we offer at PROSPER, come see for yourself," Carla Wrenn - Naturopathic Practitioner and PROSPER Founder.
This article is intended to be informational only. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments discussed.
