Integrated Cancer Care

Focusing on Wellness

line drawing of a woman holding a flower
woman discussing her integrative cancer care plan with her naturopath

Evidence Informed Care

Integrated cancer care aims to support patients with cancer with individualized, whole person care, using naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, nutritional services, psychotherapy and massage therapy. This evidence-informed approach may help to:

  • Improve quality of life
  • Decrease side effects of cancer treatments
  • Support physical, mental and emotional well-being

    How we support you

    At West End Women’s Health, integrative cancer care helps to support anyone who has received a precancerous or cancer diagnosis, has a strong family history of cancer, or is a cancer survivor.

    Whether you are looking for support while you undergo surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, we provide complementary therapies such as massage, diet and nutrition counseling, acupuncture and IV Vitamin therapy for holistic approach to cancer treatment. We also provide support to caregivers who are often in need of stress relief and care themselves.

    Reach out to our team today to find out how we can support you.

    Services

    Naturopathic Medicine

    Naturopathic medicine blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. As a patient, you can expect a thorough history taking during an initial consultation in which medical history, relevant test results and current health statu as all assessed and treatment plan is put in place.

    Some benefits of naturopathic medicine in cancer care can include:

    • Reduction of side effects of conventional cancer treatment such as nausea, vomiting, pain, hot flashes and reduced blood counts
    • Maintenance of healthy weight, achieved through diet, supplementation and lifestyle interventions

    Registered Massage Therapy

    While massage encompasses many different techniques, this form of physical therapy is helpful in many regards when it comes to cancer support. Calming touch can assist in stress reduction, promoting better sleep and reducing nerve irritation like neuropathy.Massage therapy can offer:

    • Pain relief of post-surgical scars
    • Improvement in decreased range of motion and discomfort due to radiation fibrosis
    • Reduction in unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy such as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet

    Mistletoe Therapy

    The extract of the mistletoe plant has been used as a complementary and integrative method to treat cancer for close to a century. Mistletoe injections are among the most sidely used complementary cancer treatments in Europe, where it is approved in several countries for palliative care. Mistletoe therapy:

    • Stimulates the immune system and support blood counts during conventional treatments
    • Offsets the side effects of chemotherapy/radiation like nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and low energy

    Acupuncture

    As one of the oldest healing practices in the world, modern investigations show that acupuncture can have a myriad of positive effects by stimulating the release of endorphins, hormones and other chemical signals that promote healing. Acupuncture may help to:

    • Alleviate certain treatment-related side effects such as nausea and vomiting and pain
    • Relieve symptoms such as fatigue, dry mouth, hot flashes and pain
    • Support the body’s ability to make healthy red, white blood cells and platelets, often depleted by cancer treatment

    IV Vitamin Therapy

    Intravenous therapy involves the infusion of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other substances directly into the vein. IV therapy is a safe and effective treatment for a range of conditions and cancer types. Your prescribed treatment is individualized based on your needs.

    • Replenishes vitamins and minerals as IV delivery bypassess the digestive system, allowing for maximal absorption
    • Provides vitamin input that is beneficial in improving energy 
    • Has been shown in some studies using high dose vitamin C to improve quality of life 

    Related services

    acupuncture needle being placed in a shoulder

    Acupuncturist

    Acupuncture can support many aspects of women’s health including fertility support, hormone balance, pregnancy support, breech baby presentation and more. Also commonly used to address conditions associated with pain such as headache, migraines and back pain.

    woman sitting at a table drinking fresh pressed juice

    Nutritionist

    Our nutritional services provide tailor made plans to help you achieve your goals. By providing education and concrete actionable steps to improving your diet, a nutritional consultation can overwhelmingly improve your health.

    naturopathic doctor reviewing treatment plan with her patient

    Naturopathic Medicine

    Naturopathic medicine works to restore and support the powerful and inherent healing abilities of your body. Taking a wholistic approach to determine and treat the underlying cause of disease, naturopathic medicine promote healing using natural therapies & evidence based interventions.

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