This paper is part of NMJ's 2017 Oncology Special Issue. Read the paper or download the full issue here.
Whether we like it or not, caring for people diagnosed with cancer is no longer a burden that oncologists alone must carry. Because so many people are affected by cancer, their needs spill over into primary care, gynecology, urology, internal medicine and yes, integrative medicine. No matter what your specialty or practice emphasis, chances are very high that you’ve seen people diagnosed with cancer in your clinic. And that’s why, year after year, we tackle this tough topic with a special issue specifically designed with integrative medicine in mind.
In this issue, our very own Editor-in-Chief, Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO, has authored a peer-reviewed paper on the complex and fascinating topic of the microbiota and cancer. Our Abstracts & Commentary section highlights some natural substances that have been shown to reduce risk, ease treatment side effects, or complement conventional treatment. We also have two interesting audio interviews that you can listen to as you multitask. Paul Anderson, NMD, discusses IV therapies, which have become more prevalent in clinical practice; and highly respected naturopathic researcher Dugald Seely, ND, FABNO, describes the impetus and rationale behind his $3.5M Thoracic POISE study, which is the largest-ever North American grant awarded to study the effectiveness of naturopathic medicine used in combination with conventional medicine.
Caring for those impacted by cancer from the point of diagnosis well into survivorship years presents an opportunity for integrative healthcare professionals. As we broaden the burden beyond conventional oncology, the hope is that we can turn the tides on an illness that has tsunamic momentum right now.
We hope you find this issue interesting and informative. And if you do, please share it with your colleagues. Thanks to all those involved with creating this important special issue.
—Karolyn A. Gazella
Publisher, Natural Medicine Journal
