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Integrative Oncology Nutrition, Supplements & Complementary Approaches
Integrative Oncology Nutrition, Supplements & Complementary Approaches | Nutrition, Dietary Supplements & Complementary Approaches |
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After receiving a diagnosis of cancer, patients commonly have questions including, “What should I eat?” and “Are there supplements that can help maintain my wellness?” In addition, many patients and family members ask, “What can I do besides conventional cancer care?” and “What should I do about everything my family and friends want me to take?” We understand the importance of evaluating integrative and complementary approaches. We know that many patients and survivors seek out nutritional information, dietary supplements, massage, acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spiritual practices, chiropractics, etc. in addition to their treatments in the hope of improving their well being, facilitating healing, treating their cancer and decreasing the risk of recurrence. And, we understand the importance of evaluating these approaches. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) makes a distinction between complementary and alternative medicine. According to NCCAM, “complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.” We support the use of complementary approaches, and believe that integrative medicine ─ defined by NCCAM as “combining conventional medicine with CAM for which there is some high-quality evidence of safety and effectiveness” ─ can be the most helpful for our patients with cancer. Unfortunately, many patients and family members do not know where to turn for the best guidance on these subjects and are too often left with advice from health food store clerks, unregulated web sites or others who lack the knowledge and training to develop a personalized nutritional, dietary supplementation or complementary medicine plan. We are especially concerned that complementary and alternative treatments not interfere with conventional care. At the Simms/Mann – UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology we believe that educating patients about nutrition, dietary supplements and complementary approaches is essential for people to become as healthy as possible after a cancer diagnosis. We have several experts in nutrition, dietary supplements and complementary approaches. Mary Hardy, MD and Karen Duvall, MD, have training in traditional medicine, preventive health and nutritional supplements and complementary medicine to help patients and survivors make good choices and create a personalized wellness plan that takes into consideration individual issues and treatment status. These services are also available to family members who may have concerns about choosing foods and supplements to reduce the risk of developing cancer as well. We offer two types of services: Individual Integrative Oncology Counseling by Integrative Medicine Physician – Individual educational sessions (1.25 to 1.5 hours) for patients with cancer or individuals at risk for cancer providing an opportunity to ask questions on nutrition, dietary supplements, strategies to decrease the likelihood of recurrence and enhance well-being. Educational Groups by an Integrative Medicine Physician – small group classes (4-6 individuals) on specific topics to help individuals develop strategies to increase wellness while living with cancer, its treatments and beyond. Examples include:
We also offer general educational lectures through our Insights Into Cancer lectures series which are available in person and as web-based streaming video.
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