Integrative Oncology Education: An Emerging Competency for Oncology Providers

Safiya Karim; Rita Benn; Linda E. Carlson; Judith Fouladbakhsh; Heather Greenlee; Rick Harris; N. Lynn Henry; Shruti Jolly; Sabrina Mayhew; Lisa Spratke; Eleanor M. Walker; Bradley Zebrack; Suzanna M. Zick

doi:10.3390/curroncol28010084

Current Oncology (Feb 2021)

Integrative Oncology Education: An Emerging Competency for Oncology Providers

Safiya Karim,
Rita Benn,
Linda E. Carlson,
Judith Fouladbakhsh,
Heather Greenlee,
Rick Harris,
N. Lynn Henry,
Shruti Jolly,
Sabrina Mayhew,
Lisa Spratke,
Eleanor M. Walker,
Bradley Zebrack,
Suzanna M. Zick

Affiliations

Safiya Karim: Department of Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
Rita Benn: Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Linda E. Carlson: Department of Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
Judith Fouladbakhsh: School of Nursing, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
Heather Greenlee: Public Health Sciences & Clinical Research Divisions, Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Centre, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Rick Harris: Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
N. Lynn Henry: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Shruti Jolly: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Sabrina Mayhew: College of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
Lisa Spratke: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Eleanor M. Walker: Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
Bradley Zebrack: School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Suzanna M. Zick: Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol28010084
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 28, no. 1
pp. 853 – 862

Abstract

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A growing number of cancer patients use complementary and alternative therapies during and after conventional cancer treatment. Patients are often reluctant to discuss these therapies with their oncologist, and oncologists may have limited knowledge and confidence on how to advise patients on the appropriate use. Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field that utilizes mind–body practices, lifestyle modifications and/or natural products interwoven with conventional cancer treatment. It prioritizes safety and best available evidence to offer appropriate interventions alongside conventional care. There are few opportunities for oncologists to learn about integrative oncology. In this commentary, we highlight the Integrative Oncology Scholars (IOS) program as a means to increase competency in this growing field. We provide an overview of several integrative oncology modalities that are taught through this program, including lifestyle modifications, physical activity, and mind–body interventions. We conclude that as more evidence is generated in this field, it will be essential that oncology healthcare providers are aware of the prevalent use of these modalities by their patients and cancer centers include Integrative Oncology trained physicians and other healthcare professionals in their team to discuss and recommend evidence-based integrative oncology therapies alongside conventional cancer treatments to their patients.

Published in Current Oncology

ISSN: 1198-0052 (Print); 1718-7729 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
Website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/curroncol

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