The Rise of Integrative Oncology Why More Cancer Patients Are Turning to Complementary Therapies.pdf

Discover why more cancer patients are turning to integrative oncology. Learn about the benefits of combining conventional and complementary therapies, including natural treatments, functional mushrooms, and holistic approaches to cancer care.

visit: www.oncorix.com

1. The Rise of Integrative Oncology: Why More Cancer
Patients Are Turning to Complementary Therapies
Exploring the growing trend of cancer patients seeking complementary therapies to enhance their conventional treatments and improve overall well-being.

2. Cancer Treatment Challenges
Cancer is a life-changing journey that can significantly impact a
person's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Faced with
the challenges of conventional treatments, many patients seek
ways to reclaim control and improve their overall quality of life.

3. What is Integrative Oncology?
Combines Conventional and
Complementary Therapies
Integrative oncology integrates standard medical
treatments like chemotherapy and radiation with
evidence-based complementary therapies such as
acupuncture, yoga, and functional mushrooms.
Eases Side Effects
The goal is to alleviate the challenging side effects
of conventional cancer treatments and improve
the overall well-being of patients.
Improves Quality of Life
Integrative approaches aim to enhance the
patient's quality of life by supporting the body,
mind, and spirit throughout the cancer journey.
Enhances Patient-Centered Care
Integrative oncology places the patient at the
center, providing a more personalized and holistic
approach to cancer treatment.
Integrative oncology offers a comprehensive approach to cancer care, combining standard
medical treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies to support the whole person.

4. The Growth of Integrative Oncology
2022
Global investment in
integrative oncology
research and
development reaches
$500 million.
2018
Over 70% of cancer
centers in the US have
an integrative oncology
program.
2015
Functional mushrooms
and cannabinoids gain
traction as
complementary cancer
treatments.
2010
The first major cancer
center in the US begins
offering integrative
oncology services.
2021
Insurance coverage for
integrative oncology
services expands in
several states.
2020
Holistic cancer care
approaches
incorporating
mindfulness and
acupuncture become
more widely available.

5. “The side effects of chemotherapy,
for instance—nausea, fatigue, hair
loss—can sometimes feel just as
overwhelming as the disease itself.”
THE MEDIUM ARTICLE

6. Functional Mushrooms
in Cancer Care
Certain functional mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and turkey tail
are being studied for their potential to boost the immune
system and fight cancer. Emerging research suggests these
mushrooms may help reduce inflammation, support immune
function, and combat fatigue in cancer patients undergoing
conventional treatments.

7. Cannabinoids and Cancer Treatment
Pain Relief
Cannabinoids have shown potential in
reducing pain associated with cancer and
cancer treatments.
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea
Many cancer patients use medical cannabis
to manage nausea and vomiting caused by
chemotherapy.
Improved Quality of Life
The integration of cannabinoids into a
patient's treatment plan can help improve
overall quality of life.
As research continues to explore the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids,
they are becoming an increasingly important part of integrative cancer
care, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve patient well-being.

8. Holistic Cancer Care
By incorporating
complementary therapies,
integrative oncology takes a
holistic approach to cancer
care, addressing the patient's
mind, body, and spirit. This
helps improve overall quality
of life and supports the
patient's journey towards
healing and well-being.
Holistic Approach to
Healing
Integrative oncology
recognizes that cancer
treatment impacts the
patient's mental, emotional,
and physical well-being. It
introduces complementary
therapies to support the
whole person during this
challenging journey.
Addressing the Whole
Person
Practices like meditation and
mindfulness can help cancer
patients manage stress,
anxiety, and depression,
which are common side
effects of conventional
treatments. These mind-body
therapies promote relaxation
and emotional well-being.
Meditation and
Mindfulness
Acupuncture and other
energy-based therapies are
used in integrative oncology
to alleviate physical
symptoms, such as pain,
nausea, and fatigue. By
addressing the body's energy
channels, these treatments
can complement
conventional cancer care.
Acupuncture and
Energy Work

9. Functional Medicine and the Future of Cancer Care
Personalized Treatment Plans
Functional medicine oncology examines each
patient's unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle
factors to create customized treatment plans that go
beyond one-size-fits-all approaches.
Whole-Person Care
Integrative oncology addresses not just the physical
aspects of cancer, but also the mental, emotional,
and spiritual well-being of the patient for a truly
holistic approach to care.
Empowered Patients
Functional medicine empowers patients to play an
active role in their cancer journey, giving them more
control and a deeper understanding of their
treatment plan.
Innovative Therapies
Functional medicine oncology explores the use of
cutting-edge, evidence-based complementary
therapies, such as functional mushrooms,
cannabinoids, and mind-body practices, to enhance
traditional cancer treatments.

10. Learn More:
For those who want to dive deeper into the
science of cannabis and its impact on cancer
care, I highly recommend checking out the
Oncorix Knowledge Hub.
It’s full of expert insights, cutting-edge research,
and resources designed to help you make
informed decisions about cannabis in cancer
care.
Moav Gafni
Co-founder of Oncorix, a company specializing in
integrative oncology using cannabinoids and
functional mushrooms to support cancer care.
www.oncorix.com