What Is Integrative Oncology?
As those of us who experience the aftermath of prostate cancer regardless of where we sit — patient, partner or professional caregiver — well know, cancer and its treatments produce side effects that seriously decrease function and quality of life. Mainstream medical care often has no effective means of managing these problems, but complementary therapies may help. These include acupuncture, mind-body therapies, exercise/physical activity, and herbs and other botanicals. Complementary therapies are commonly used as adjuncts to mainstream treatment to control symptoms, enhance quality of life, and contribute to physical and emotional well-being. These are non-invasive, non-pharmacologic therapies that control both physical and emotional symptoms. They do not cure cancer. They do, however, effectively provide relief from the symptoms that patients and survivors commonly experience. The term “integrative oncology” refers to the combination of mainstream treatments and complementary therap
