Although my practice is very diverse, cancer is one of the few things I do not treat. Unfortunately, this diagnosis is horrifically common.
When my friends and loved ones ask for my thoughts on a cancer diagnosis, I tell them to take advantage of all the tools available to them.
It’s been my experience as a human that combining traditional oncology care with naturopathic medicine leads to significantly better outcomes. People live longer, feel better and have more hope through the sense of agency naturopathic medicine offers.
This isn’t always possible, due to limited finances and day-to-day support. It takes time, energy and money to manage all the appointments, medications, supplements and food. But every little bit helps.
If you or someone you care about is facing a cancer diagnosis, I hope this resource list will give you some tools to get started.
finding a provider
The Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP) educates and certifies NDs who specialize in cancer care. Practitioners who’ve gone through the certification process become considered Fellows of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology and get to use the letters FABNO after their names. Find local doctors with or without the certification here.
The Mederi Center trains practitioners and treats patients in holistic cancer care. See their practitioner list here.
The Immune Enhancement Project (Portland, Oregon) offers low-cost adjunctive care, including acupuncture, shiatsu, moxibustion and herbal formulas. If you are out of the area, they may have suggestions for local resources.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America integrate traditional oncology treatment with naturopathic and nutritional support. They have facilities in the Chicago and Phoenix areas.
Goshen (Indiana) Center for Cancer Care also integrates traditional oncology treatment with naturopathic, acupuncture and mind-body support.
resources for patients
Patient resources from the OncANP.
Controlling costs of cancer care, from the Goshen Center for Cancer Care.
reading list
Naturopathic Oncology: And Encyclopedic Guide for Patients and Physicians by Dr. Neil McKinney. (Also here.)
The Definitive Guide to Cancer: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment and Healing by Dr. Lise Alschuler.
Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer: A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatment by Donald Yance.
Outside the Box Cancer Therapies by Drs. Mark Stengler and Paul Anderson
Cancer: The Journey from Diagnosis to Empowerment by Dr. Paul Anderson
caregivers need support, too.
Cancer is always hard on the person who has it. But it’s also hard on caregivers, who often feel guilty about giving their own needs any kind of priority.
While I don’t treat folks with cancer, I absolutely can help caregivers. Together we will help you stay strong (and allow space for feeling weakness) through difficult times.
If you’re bearing the weight of someone else’s cancer diagnosis, please get in touch. You can book an appointment here.
