Society for Integrative Oncology

key words:  palliative care, oncology, integrative medicine, team care, integrative health, collaboration, collaborative healthcare, patient-centered care, quality of life care, recommended resources, person-centered care

topics:  oncology, the integrative medicine movement in mainstream U.S. medicine


At the 14th International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology, a new definition of integrative oncology was announced.

The Official Society for Integrative Oncology Definition of "Integrative Oncology":

Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. 

Integrative oncology aims to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during, and beyond cancer treatment.

Integrative oncology seems to be firmly rooted in the true philosophy of "integrative health care".  I am looking forward to watching it grow strong for the health of patients and their families and the field of health care in general.

To learn more about this year's conference, I recommend reading the report by Zeyiad Elias, DAOM, RAc, in the winter 2018 issue of Meridians:  Journal of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

sources:  
Elias Z. Society for Integrative Oncology 14th International Conference:  A Report. MJAOM 2018;5(1): 30-35.
Society for Integrative Oncology


More resources on Integrative Oncology Recommended by the Community

• The Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine Free Online Cancer Care Toolkit 
• Intended for patients working with their oncology providers. Has information on integrative health therapies, including nutrition and movement for cancer care programs.  
• Podcast interview: "Integrative Oncology is a Clinically Proven Approach--Here's to Hoping That News Gets Out to Payers and Patients, with Glenn Sabin of FON Consulting"
• Book to buy or find in your local library: Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal by Rachel Naomi Remen, MD.
• search label "research literacy" or "oncology" in this blog to find related resources on these topics

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