Integrative Cancer Care Program in Vancouver
Combining conventional and complementary naturopathic cancer care to utilize the body’s own healing response
The Integrative Cancer Care Program provides evidence-informed, patient-focused, interdisciplinary cancer care through diagnosis to remission and recurrence prevention.
About
Our Integrative approach to cancer treats both the cancer as well as the person who has been diagnosed.
The Integrative Cancer Care Program supports whole-person wellness - mind, body, and spirit. Our Naturopathic Doctors create a plan utilizing science-informed natural therapies to enhance the body’s inherent ability to heal, while reducing the side effects of conventional treatments, and improving quality of life.
Applications
Applications of the Integrative Cancer Care Program
The Integrative Cancer Care Program can be supportive, regardless of where you are within your health timeline. Whether you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, are currently undergoing conventional cancer treatment, have transitioned into remission, or want to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, Integrative can help.
- Current diagnosis of cancer
- Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, including nausea, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, pain anxiety, depression
- Pre and post-operative support
- Cancer remission wellness
- Cancer prevention
Benefits
Health Benefits of the Integrative Cancer Care Program
Complementary Cancer Care
Our Naturopathic Doctors utilize evidence-informed non-toxic therapies, in collaboration with conventional oncologists, to treat cancer.
Reduction in Side Effects
Cancer, and the conventional methods used to treat it (such as chemotherapy and radiation), can have multiple side effects such as nausea, pain, and mood and energy disturbances. We utilize natural therapies to help manage these side effects.
Improved Quality of Life
The Integrative Cancer Care Program treats the whole person, rather than solely their cancer diagnosis, in order to support mental, emotional, and physical health.
Self-empowerment
Knowledge is power. Our Naturopathic Doctors provide transparency and understanding, in regards to your diagnosis and potential treatments. This education is extended throughout treatment, remission, and prevention.
Our Approach
An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care in Vancouver
The Integrative Cancer Care Program takes an integrative approach to cancer care. Following an initial consultation, your Naturopathic Doctor will recommend a treatment plan. Many therapies are more effective when combined, a factor your Naturopathic Doctor will take into account when creating your plan.
Each patient is unique; your Doctor will cater the Integrative Cancer Care Program to meet your specific needs. Your treatment program may include:
- Diagnostic testing
- Customized dietary recommendations
- Specific supplements and/or medications
- Intravenous therapy, such as Poly-MVA, high dose intravenous vitamin C, non-chemotherapy insulin potentiated therapy (IPT), artesunate, and dichloroacetate (DCA)
- Ozone and oxidative therapy
- Acupuncture
- Mistletoe extract injections
First Visit
What Does Your First Visit Look Like?
Your first visit is the opportunity for you to share your health goals, and for your Doctor to gather vital health information that will help them to determine the root cause of your health concerns, and the best treatment plan for you.
One
Complete Medical & 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.
Two
Testing
Your Doctor will recommend further testing, either at Integrative or with your Medical Doctor. This testing may include:
- Biomeridian testing
- Mineral levels
- Inflammation markers
- Tumour markers
- Vitamin D level
- Hormone panel
Your Doctor will also request records and test results from the Medical Doctor that you have been working with for the duration of your cancer diagnosis.
Three
Physical Exam
Within your first visit, your Doctor may also perform a physical exam. This may include basic vitals, Applied Kinesiology, or inspection and palpation of specific areas of concern.
Four
Outline of the Program
If your Doctor believes you are a good candidate for the Integrative Cancer Care Program, they will provide you with a basic outline of what the program may entail.
Following your Initial visit, your Doctor will review all of your test results, both from tests completed with Integrative, as well as diagnostics completed with your Medical Doctor. At your second visit, they will review the specific treatment program they have created for you.
Practitioners
Your Participating Practitioners
The Naturopathic Physicians at Integrative are primary care providers with expertise in many complementary healing arts, ranging from modern medical science and pharmacology, to acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. This knowledge allows them to apply a truly Integrative approach to each of their unique patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
View all FAQs 
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What is included in the Integrative Cancer Program?
The Integrative Cancer Program takes an integrative approach to cancer care. Each patient is unique; your Naturopathic Doctor will cater the program to meet your needs. It may include specific hormone, toxin, cancer marker, or metabolic testing, in addition to a review of all previous diagnostic imaging and testing you have completed. Treatments will vary, but may include intravenous therapy, nutritional recommendations, supplementation, injection therapies, acupuncture, spinal manipulations, and stress relief techniques. Your Naturopathic Doctor will review their treatment recommendations with you within your second visit.
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Do I need to see a Naturopathic Doctor for the Integrative Cancer Program?
Yes, consultations with Dr Larry Chan or Dr Alex Chan are required to begin the Integrative Cancer Program. Following an initial and second visit, they may also refer you to additional practitioners within Integrative, such as Dr Karen Lam, DTCM, for acupuncture.
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Am I a candidate for the Integrative Cancer Program?
Dr. Alex Chan or Dr. Larry Chan can determine if you are a candidate for the Integrative Cancer Program following a complete review of your case and medical records.
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How much does the Integrative Cancer Program cost?
The cost of the Integrative Cancer Program will vary depending on the number of visits with your Naturopathic Doctor, as well as treatment modalities utilized. Our Patient Care Coordinators can provide information regarding the cost of initial and follow-up visits. A more extensive quote can be provided once your Naturopathic Doctor has recommended a treatment plan.
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Is the cost of the Integrative Cancer Program covered by MSP?
Consultations with Dr Alex Chan, ND, or Dr Larry Chan, ND, within the Integrative Cancer Program, will be booked as naturopathic visits. If you qualify for Premium Assistance through MSP, you may qualify for a small percentage of your visit cost to be covered by MSP.
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Is the cost of the Integrative Cancer Program covered by Extended Healthcare Plans?
Consultations with Dr Alex Chan, ND, or Dr Larry Chan, ND, within the Integrative Cancer Program, will be booked as naturopathic visits. Most Extended Healthcare 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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Do I need to complete testing prior to the Integrative Cancer Program?
Your Naturopathic Doctor will request records and test results from the MD you have been working with for the duration of your cancer diagnosis. They may also recommend further testing, either at Integrative or with your MD.
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Is the Integrative Cancer Program helpful for all types of cancer?
Each patient is unique. Your Naturopathic Doctor will cater the Integrative Cancer Program to meet your needs, whether you have been recently diagnosed, are receiving radiation or chemotherapy, are preparing or recovering from surgery, or are in remission. Within your initial and second visits, your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss how Integrative may be able to support you.