Integrative Cancer Care in Fort Langley
Integrative Cancer Care includes evidence-informed natural and cutting-edge therapies alongside conventional oncology treatments.
Integrative cancer care is about combining the best and most appropriate tools across all of the available toolboxes. It's about ensuring that any conventional therapies that are needed to give you the very best outcome possible, are able to be used with the least amount of side effects and to their greatest efficacy. Integrative cancer care also makes use of off-label, outside-of-the-box strategies that show evidence for benefit. It is individualized cancer care; each person is assessed not only by their cancer type and stage but also by thoroughly reviewing the complex interactions of biology, conditions, and exposures that make up that individual person. Therefore, no two treatment plans are the same.
About
About Integrative Cancer Care in Fort Langley
There is an abundance of information available on strategies to manage cancer. While this can be empowering, it is also very overwhelming. We are here to provide guidance on which medications, supplements, diets, and lifestyle changes can best support your individual needs. We are your quarterback, looking to ensure all the players on the field are working together for the same goal.
Our Approach
Heading: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care in Fort Langley
At Integrative, care for those with cancer is individualized, systems-based, and collaborative. Generally, as part of an integrative cancer protocol there will be dietary recommendations, exercise and lifestyle recommendations, mental emotional supports discussed, herbal and nutrient supplement recommendations tailored to your unique needs, and various intravenous and aggressive natural therapy options discussed.
The goal of integrative cancer care is to provide support through whatever treatments are necessary. It is not just about targeting the cancer cells or the tumour, but also about supporting the body it is arising within and changing the environment that allowed those cells to develop and grow in the first place.
When can Integrative Cancer Care be used?
Prevention in High-Risk Individuals
Whether you have a strong family history of cancer, or environmental exposures that increase your cancer risk, we can support you. We use comprehensive testing, diet and lifestyle counselling, treatment interventions to reduce risk of cancer formation, and monitoring tools to give you the most support and best chance for preventing cancer as possible.
Beginning the Cancer Journey
This is a ride no one wanted to be on. A new diagnosis often brings fear and uncertainty. Integrative cancer care in Fort Langley is here to provide support and empowerment, walking you through your options and assisting you in navigating the coming weeks and months. Often your conventional oncology team has limited time to explain the next steps and your options. We are here to ensure you feel confident walking the path that you choose.
During Active Treatment
Integrative cancer care can provide support in reducing side effects of various treatments as well as improving the efficacy of them. Evidence informed inclusion of specific nutrients and interventions can assist you with managing active treatment with better overall health and tolerability — including naturopathic support during chemotherapy and radiation. Care is taken to avoid drug interactions and contraindications.
Secondary Prevention
When active treatment is complete many people feel set adrift. The many appointments are finished and it seems like our system is just waiting to see if the cancer returns. Integrative cancer care is for those who do not want to passively wait. Whether repairing the body from the damage done by primary treatment, investigating the causes of cancer development, or actively addressing residual disease, there are strong integrative tools to support you.
Advanced or Treatment Resistant Disease
When primary treatment has failed and the cancer has progressed, many people look to see if there are additional strategies to use. Whether seeking pharmaceutical or natural options for managing the disease, there are always avenues left to explore. We will support you with comprehensive testing. This can include personalized precision medicine to identify your specific cancer's vulnerabilities. Circulating Tumour Cell and ctDNA analysis can provide answers that fall outside of the standard of care but will target the specific growth pathways cancer cells use.
Treatments
Treatment plans are developed based on the stage and type of disease, vitality of the patient, concurrent treatments, and patient goals. At Integrative, we have access to many innovative tools for treatment, including:
- Advanced Intravenous Therapies
- Red Light Therapy/Photobiomodulation
- Hydrogen Therapy
- Immunotherapies, including Mistletoe
- Targeted Herbal and Pharmaceutical Therapies
First Visit
What does your first visit look like?
Your first visit is a chance to share your health goals and concerns. As your doctor gathers this important information, they can begin to identify the areas of your health that need deeper investigation or support and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
One
Complete Medical and Lifestyle History
Your Doctor will take a complete history, gathering details regarding your current and past health concerns, lifestyle, as well as current supplements and medications. You will also discuss if you are working with a primary care provider and what protocol is already in place to ensure continuity.
Two
Testing
Your Doctor will review any testing you have already completed. If needed they will recommend specific tests, either at Integrative or with your Medical Doctor, these could include standard lab tests as well as specialized lab tests. If you've completed other tests or imaging investigations in the past, they may requisition these results for review.
Three
Physical Exam
Within your first visit your Doctor may also perform a physical exam. This may include basic vitals and/or inspection and palpation of specific areas of concern.
Practitioners
Your Participating Practitioners
The Naturopathic Doctors at Integrative are primary care providers with expertise in a wide variety of functional medicine techniques, including Pharmacology, herbal medicine, nutritional science, and acupuncture. This knowledge allows them to apply a truly Integrative approach to each of their unique patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What kinds of testing might be recommended for cancer?
Depending on your history and symptoms, your doctor may recommend additional standard testing such as vitamin D, fasting insulin, and inflammation testing. Depending on the phase of treatment you are in, they may also suggest private testing to assess immune function, inflammation, cancer cell number and genetics, among others. Testing is always discussed in advance and tailored to your individual situation.
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Do I need a formal cancer diagnosis before booking an appointment?
No. Many patients come to us while waiting for results but know something is not right. Part of our role is to support your health and wellbeing while waiting for the full work-up and guide next steps through appropriate testing and clinical assessment.
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Is complex cancer treatment covered by MSP or Extended Health Plans?
Treatment is provided by a Naturopathic Doctor and will be billed as such. Most Extended Health plans have coverage that can be applied to naturopathic visits; however, most plans have a limit to their coverage per year. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly prior to your visit to determine your coverage.
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How much does naturopathic treatment for cancer cost?
The cost of treatment will vary depending on what your treatment plan entails and varies from patient to patient as our care is individualized. Our Patient Care Coordinators can provide a quote prior to booking an appointment.
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Ready to start your journey?
We're ready when you are.
We’re here to help you on your journey to optimal health. Select the option that best suits you to book your appointment now.