When you hear the words “you have cancer”, the last thing you may think of is wellness. Immediately after diagnosis, your care team is creating a treatment plan for you, typically using conventional therapies like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. But wellness can also be part of the journey. Integrative oncology highlights the importance of self-care and wellness during your cancer journey, whether it is for treating symptoms from conventional treatment or trying to find peace.
Some cancer health centers around the country have included integrative oncology programs as an optional part of treatment for their patients. These programs combine conventional cancer therapies with complementary therapies such as nutrition guidance, exercise, Reiki, stress management, and spiritual wellness.
Integrative oncology addresses whole-person health and draws on several modalities, including traditional Chinese and other global healing traditions. Whole-person health looks at all parts of the body and how they work together, rather than focusing on a single system. In other words, it treats the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.
The following are the different aspects of whole person care that you can focus on in your cancer journey, as well as some suggestions on how to get started:
The Mind
Thoughts, feelings, and stress can be extremely overwhelming after a cancer diagnosis. Here are a few suggestions from the National Cancer Institute to help you manage your thoughts and stress and cope with negative feelings in a positive way.
Checking in with Yourself. This means asking yourself questions about what you want or what you need. Many people find journaling a helpful tool for clearing their minds and understanding what they are feeling. You can create your own journal prompts or readily find them online.
Managing Negative Thoughts & Feelings. Focus on your thoughts and how they make you feel. Note how your thoughts can guide you to take control and feel better, or how they can send you on a downward spiral. Some ways to help this include challenging negative thoughts. You can do this by asking yourself, “What evidence do I have for this?” or “What advice would you give a friend experiencing this thought?” Seeking help from a mental health professional can also be extremely helpful in managing thoughts and feelings.
Dealing with Stress. A cancer journey is not typically linear and comes with varying stressors throughout. It is important to identify what makes you feel stressed and to find practices that help you deal with it. Some helpful practices include meditation, deep breathing, journaling, exercise, and spending time with loved ones.
The Body
Get your body moving. Physical activity is a great way to work on physical and mental well-being. This doesn’t have to be a structured or long workout. The most important thing is to move and avoid inactivity. This can look like taking a 10-minute walk after meals, doing yoga, or stretching. Find something you enjoy and stay consistent.
Focus on fresh food. Plant-forward eating is recommended for people who are dealing with cancer. This does not mean you have to be on a vegetarian diet. This means you are prioritizing plant-based foods. These include fruit, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. In addition, do your best to limit ultra-processed foods such as sugary drinks and processed meats like ham, bacon, salami, hot dogs, and sausage.
Holistic symptom treatment. In addition to nutrition and movement, physical manipulation can help reduce side effects or pain that may be hindering your quality of life. Practices commonly used in integrative oncology include acupuncture and massage therapy. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hot flashes, and nerve issues. Massage therapy can help reduce pain, anxiety, nausea, fatigue, and stimulate lymphatic drainage.
The Spirit
Tap into your spiritual side. Many people find that practicing spiritual self-care plays a crucial role in the healing process. Spirituality looks different for everyone, and it is not necessarily synonymous with religion. Spirituality is a personal quest for meaning, purpose, and connection with something greater than oneself. According to the University of Rochester Medicine, spirituality can help create feelings of comfort, reduce stress and anxiety, and lessen side effects by helping relax the mind. Some ways to practice spiritual self-care include meditation, creative expressions like journaling or art, and prayer, among many others.
Take that first step and start thinking about what you may need to take care of your mind, body, and spirit.
Resources
Managing Your Self-Care- National Cancer Institute
This is Living with Cancer – Journal Prompts
Cancer & Spirituality- University of Rochester Medicine