What is Integrative Oncology?

From the Journal of the National Cancer Institute: 

“Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. 
“Integrative oncology aims to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during, and beyond cancer treatment.”

¹ A Comprehensive Definition for Integrative Oncology

When a cancer diagnosis hits, it rocks your whole world, as well as everyone who’s in your orbit. It’s natural to explore every possible therapy or treatment option available, no matter how far-flung it may seem.

But that’s a lot for anyone to take on, and there’s a lot you don’t know—like which supplements, herbs, and nutrients will react with your medications, and how? 

Or which treatments are scientifically backed, and how do you know you’re not being misled at a time in your life when you’re the most vulnerable?

Integrative Oncology can support you in managing the unpleasant side effects of many conventional cancer treatments, including: 

• Fatigue
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Peripheral neuropathy (numbness and/or tingling in the hands and feet)
• Mood changes, including depression and anxiety
• Hot flashes & night sweats

Dr. Birdsall is board certified with a specialty in Naturopathic Oncology. Her consultations & treatment options work in conjunction with your oncologist’s recommendations.

How can Integrative Cancer Care help?

Dr. Birdsall’s treatment plans support people with cancer across the spectrum of their care—at initial diagnosis, during conventional treatment, and on an ongoing basis during survivorship. 

Throughout the process she provides education and individualized recommendations for evidence-based nutrition, lifestyle recommendations, supplements, and natural therapies that can be used safely with conventional cancer treatment (including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and/or surgery), as well as advice on what may  interfere or be harmful.

Dr. Birdsall will help you sort fact from fiction, and help you understand what applies to you and your unique situation. 

Her mission is to help you understand what natural therapies have the best research and the highest likelihood of helping you achieve your health goals, as well as what is safe to use in conjunction with your medications and/or cancer treatment.

Combining both naturopathic and conventional medicine supports the best possible outcome for our patients.

Dr. Shauna Birdsall, ND, FABNO has specialized in integrative oncology and provided support for people diagnosed with cancer since 2000. Prior to joining Norris Health Center for Naturopathic & Integrative Medicine, she led a team of doctors at Cancer Treatment Center of America in Arizona. 

Dr. Shauna Birdsall has advanced training in integrative cancer care and is board certified by the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology. To find out more, go to the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians at oncanp.org.

Dr. Birdsall is a member of: