Cancer supportive care utilizes evidence-based approaches to prevent and manage the side effects of cancer treatment. While it does not directly treat cancer, it plays a crucial role in supporting patients throughout conventional treatment. The primary goal is to enhance quality of life of the patients. Supportive care therapies may include nutritional support and naturopathic support. Patients at any stage of their cancer journey—from diagnosis to survivorship—can benefit from these interventions.

We refer to our supportive care services as integrative care, as this term more accurately reflects our approach. By using evidence-informed therapies alongside conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, we help manage side effects and enhance overall well-being.

Many patients believe cancer supportive care is only necessary when they experience complications or severe side effects from cancer treatment, such as intense pain or significant weight loss. Others may only learn about supportive care when their medical team identifies a need and recommends a specific therapy. However, accessing cancer supportive care early can enhance quality of life throughout treatment and may also offer long-term benefits for overall well-being.

Accessing supportive care early allows you to take preventive measures to minimize side effects or complications that could disrupt or delay your treatment.

Meeting with providers who understand the common side effects and complications associated with your specific cancer type and treatment can help you recognize early warning signs and create a proactive intervention plan. For example, if nausea is a known side effect of your chemotherapy, addressing it early with nutritional support or other therapies may reduce the risk of hospitalization due to dehydration or malnutrition. Additionally, if hospitalization becomes necessary, early supportive care may contribute to a shorter and more manageable stay.

Incorporating cancer supportive care during treatment can also help you prepare for survivorship.

A cancer diagnosis often shifts a patient’s perspective on lifestyle habits, inspiring meaningful changes not only to navigate treatment but also to build a healthier future. Collaborating with cancer supportive care providers to improve nutrition, exercise, and stress management may lower the risk of cancer recurrence or other chronic illnesses. For those with existing health conditions, adopting healthier habits can also enhance disease management and overall well-being.

Research suggests that early access to supportive care and rehabilitation for individuals experiencing physical, psychological, or cognitive challenges may also help reduce employment-related absences and disability.

The effects of cancer and its treatment can often extend into survivorship, with symptoms such as fatigue, pain, bowel or bladder changes, sexual dysfunction, and anxiety being common among survivors. Incorporating oncology rehabilitation and other integrative care therapies during treatment may help minimize these long-term effects, improving overall quality of life.

Many patients find it challenging to maintain proper nutrition during cancer treatment. Well-intentioned family, friends, and neighbors often share advice, and like many cancer patients, you may spend a great deal of time researching nutrition and cancer. However, the abundance of information can be overwhelming and sometimes contradictory.

Patients frequently ask us questions such as:

• Should I eat meat? What about dairy?
• Is a ketogenic diet beneficial?
• Is a vegan diet the best option?
• Does sugar feed cancer?
• Should I only eat organic food?

Navigating these dietary choices can be complex, but working with our cancer supportive care can help you find a balanced, evidence-based approach to nutrition during treatment.

What you should and shouldn’t eat—and in what amounts—depends on your specific cancer type and treatment plan. We can help ensure you receive the necessary nutrients to maintain your strength and avoid malnutrition, reducing the risk of treatment delays and supporting your overall well-being throughout your cancer journey.

Patients who do not receive proper nutritional support often experience significant weight loss which can disrupt their treatment. This cycle typically begins when eating becomes difficult due to nausea, mucositis, swallowing issues, or other complications. As a result, patients lose energy, become weak, and reduce their physical activity, leading to muscle loss. In severe cases, dehydration may require hospitalization, or treatment may need to be delayed or adjusted because the patient has become too weak or lost too much weight.

We can help identify and address the root cause of eating difficulties. Once patients resume proper nutrition, they often regain energy, rebuild strength, and get back on track with their treatment.

We can also assist in overcoming lifestyle challenges that impact nutrition. For example, patients who travel frequently for work may need guidance on making healthy restaurant choices without access to a kitchen. Those with comorbidities like diabetes may require meal planning strategies that balance the dietary needs of both conditions while remaining appetizing and satisfying.