August - 20218In My OpinionThe role of Integrative Oncology in cancer prevention needs further exploration, and it comes with good scientific evidence I am an Oncologist and a mainstream medicine doctor with years of experience in the use of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies to combat cancer. In the last three years, I have had the privilege to work with people who have studied and practiced Integrative Oncology, which is allabout treating the whole person and not just the cancer illness. In scientific terms, Integrative Medicine is about combining traditional medicine with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and lifestyle change, leading to synergistic therapeutic and quality of life effects. I have thus appreciated that my role as an Oncologist is as much a clinical cancer specialist as well as a people healer, supporting patients to improve their body and mind health.Integrative Medicine approaches range from simple lifestyle changes such as healthy nutrition and regular exercise to specific interventions such as herbs and botanicals, massage, acupuncture, reflexology and mind-body therapies such as meditation, yoga, and music. Given that there is no specific complementary regime for specific cancer conditions, patients often need to trial different methods to see what works best for them. Clinicians need to appreciate that `one size does not fit all' when it comes to Integrative Oncology and that a more personalised patient approach will lead to better patient outcomes and experience. What's even more important is for cancer specialists to utilise the art of active listening when they consult their patients, to try and understand their priorities, and also advise them on the safest complementary treatment options for them,which will not compromise their mainstream cancer therapies. The fact is that between 40 percent and 90percent of cancer patients use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy together with their mainstream cancer treatment. Sadly, only a few will tell their oncologist or cancer nurse specialist because of the fear of being unsupported. Oncology consultations tend to focus almost entirely on the communication of the cancer treatment plan, with often no time devoted to the holistic treatment aspect. The limited knowledge INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE:A SHIFT IN MINDSET FOR BETTER POPULATION HEALTHPenny Kechagioglou, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Group Clinical Director, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire By
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