Cancer and its treatments have a profound impact not only on individuals but also on their families and wider support networks. The journey through cancer involves a multitude of physical, emotional, and mental challenges, necessitating support, understanding, and compassion. It is with this understanding that we seek to introduce Integrative Oncology, a term gaining recognition in cancer care.
What is Integrative Oncology?
Integrative oncology represents an evolving evidence-based approach to cancer treatment. It integrates complementary and integrative medicine throughout all stages of the disease, including active treatment, recovery, and post-recovery periods. Over recent years, scientific evidence supporting this integrative approach has grown, demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns among patients.
Advantages and Benefits of Integrative Oncology
The integrative oncology clinic at Rambam offers a combination of treatments that provide:
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Relief from common symptoms such as pain, hot flashes, neuropathy, fatigue, and other disease-related symptoms
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Improvement in emotional well-being, stress reduction, and anxiety relief commonly experienced during cancer treatment
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Mitigation of treatment side effects
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Enhancement of resilience and coping mechanisms throughout the disease journey
Integrative Oncology at Rambam
At Rambam, treatments from complementary and integrative medicine are carefully selected based on research-based evidence of their potential benefits in cancer management. This service operates in close collaboration with Rambam’s Oncology Department, encompassing physicians, nurses, and various supportive care professionals such as social workers, psychologists, dietitians, and physiotherapists. Continuous communication and documentation ensure seamless integration of integrative treatments with conventional oncology care.
Therapists within the integrative oncology team possess extensive experience and training in complementary medicine and oncology. They adhere to international guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care to patients.
Therapies Offered
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Acupuncture: Utilizes fine needles to alleviate pain, anxiety, nausea, hot flashes, neuropathy, fatigue, and other symptoms. Weekly 4-6 sessions are recommended for optimal relief.
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Reflexology: Involves foot massage to alleviate stress, anxiety, neuropathies, digestive disorders, and other symptoms. Consecutive 4-6 treatments are recommended for best results.
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Nutritional Counseling: Provides evidence-based guidance on nutrition tailored to individual needs, cancer types, stages, and treatments.
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Homeopathy: Offers personalized homeopathic remedies to address physical and emotional symptoms, administered alongside conventional therapies. (Limited to 12 weeks and under a research protocol)
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Biofeedback: Provides personalized training to reduce tension and anxiety by gaining control over physiological responses.
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Stress Reduction and Mindfulness: Tailored techniques to reduce stress and anxiety associated with illness and treatment.
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Yoga Therapy: Improves physical strength, flexibility, emotional well-being, mental clarity, sleep quality, and energy levels. Consecutive 4-6 treatments are recommended for best results.
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Personal Consultation: Available with Professor Moshe Frenkel for customized treatment plans and integration of integrative medicine. Only upon direct referral from your oncology physician.
Who is the Service For?
Integrative oncology therapies are available to patients receiving treatment at Rambam’s oncology section, either through referral from the medical team or personal application to the Clinic. Preference is given to referrals from the medical team, and therapies are fee-based.
In conclusion, Integrative Oncology at Rambam aims to provide holistic support and care to patients navigating the complexities of cancer treatment, addressing their physical, emotional, and mental well-being alongside conventional therapies.