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Cancer Patients Find Relief in Integrative Medicine Services - Integrative Oncology Program aims to ease pain and help patients manage cancer
Cancer Patients Find Relief in Integrative Medicine Services
- Northwestern Memorial’s Integrative Oncology Program aims to ease pain and help patients manage cancer
The very instant Penny was diagnosed with breast cancer her world permanently changed. Suddenly, it felt as if her life was out of her control. She felt powerless and overwhelmed. There were so many unanswered questions. Why me? What’s next? What about my family? The feelings
Penny experienced are felt by many cancer patients following their initial diagnosis and as they pursue treatment. In an effort to effectively and compassionately respond to these worries, as well as address common side effects associated with cancer treatment, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University now offer integrative oncology services.
“When a patient is diagnosed with cancer many of them want to fully participate in their recovery, but don’t know where to begin. This program gives them control over their treatment,” said Julian Schink, MD, chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Northwestern Memorial and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
The integrative oncology services are part of a larger 360 Care Program that recently launched aimed to address cancer patients’ needs from every angle through treatment that extends beyond medical therapies, to include counseling, stress management and integrative
medicine. Integrative oncology services include acupuncture, massage, energy healing and naturopathic medicine offered by Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group’s Center for
Integrative Medicine and Wellness.
“Our goal is to treat the whole person, not just their illness,” said Melinda Ring, MD, medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness. “Research suggests that
a holistic approach can alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as the physical pain and discomfort patients often experience while undergoing cancer treatments by activating the body’s innate healing
process.”
While there is little research to explain exactly how integrative approaches like acupuncture work, researchers at the National Institute of Health state
complementary therapy such as acupuncture do improve the body’s immune system. In an oncology setting, integrative approaches provide an effective way to manage symptoms, alleviate side effects, and help patients restore their sense of control and vitality.
Common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer include muscle tension, aches, pains nausea, vomiting and fatigue. The main role of
complementary medicine is to provide supportive care and reduce adverse effects while helping the patient
cope.
“Unfortunately, the side effects associated with conventional therapies often cause patients to end their treatments prematurely, or require that we take a less aggressive approach,” said Schink. “We’ve seen this occurrence decrease with the addition of integrative oncology services.”
There is evidence that integrative approaches may also play a role in reducing the rate of depression among cancer
patients. Services such as massage therapy are believed to have a short-term effect on reducing anxiety related to depression among patients.
Studies show 77 percent of cancer patients who incorporate complementary approaches believe it improves their quality of life, and 73 percent state it makes them feel hopeful. In addition, 71 percent say it helps to boost their immune system.
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