Integrative Oncology Program Focuses on Optimizing Cancer Treatment and a Return to Wellness
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VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 1 A NEWSLETTER FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Sponsored by the Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program Integrative Oncology Program Focuses on Optimizing Cancer Treatment and a Return to Wellness “Hippocrates, the Greek physician and “father of medicine,” whose plements, physical activity and stress modifcation for patients who have com- oath all physicians take before entering into the practice of pleted cancer therapy. medicine, once said, “It is more important to know what sort of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Hous- person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person ton, TX has been at the forefront of can- has.” This quote captures the essence of Integrative Medicine, a cer care for decades and was one of the feld that combines the best of mainstream, conventional therapies frst cancer centers in the nation to develop a program in integrative medicine. Fol- with complementary therapies while optimizing a healthy lifestyle, lowing their lead, and under Dr. Mehta’s all in a manner that is truly evidence-based.” – Pallav K. Mehta, MD guidance, the Integrative Oncology Pro- gram at MD Anderson Cooper focuses on he paradigm of cancer care approach, MD Anderson Coop- incorporating the three pillars of a healthy Thas been shifting greatly er has created the Integrative lifestyle – nutrition, physical activity and over the past decade and con- Oncology Program, led by emotional health – into the patient’s care tinues to do so at a rapid pace. Pallav K. Mehta, MD. plan, no matter where they are in their Advances in surgical tech- Dr. Mehta comes to MD An- cancer journey. niques, equipment and train- derson Cooper with over a The Integrative Oncology Program is ing along with more powerful decade of oncology experi- centered on clinical expertise, education and precise radiation technol- ence. Prior to his medical and research and has already launched a ogy have allowed doctors to training, Dr. Mehta was a per- twelve-week pilot program for patients more accurately and com- sonal and athletic trainer, who have completed breast cancer treat- pletely eliminate tumors while Pallav K. Mehta, MD which began his lifelong in- ment. The program will soon initiate the sparing normal tissue. The terest in the importance of a frst of many clinical trials, with the in- pace of change has been even more dra- healthy lifestyle. He is one of only a augural trial focusing on the benefts of matic in chemotherapy. Today, targeted handful of physicians in the nation to be acupuncture on cancer patients. medicines attack cancer cells while spar- triple board certifed in hematology, on- Along with caring for patients with ing normal cells, and biologic therapies cology and integrative medicine, and fre- breast cancer – his oncologic specialty – harness the immense power of the im- quently incorporates integrative therapy Dr. Mehta will also provide one-on-one mune system to fght cancer. It is the com- into the care plans of his cancer patients. integrative oncology consultations for bination of these approaches, wielded Dr. Mehta is also the coauthor of the re- patients with any cancer diagnosis and with precision by a skilled multidiscipli- cently released book, “After Cancer Care” will collaborate with the cancer care nary team, that has led to some as- an invaluable guide to nutrition and sup- team and nutrition, behavioral health and tounding stories of survival. survivorship services to develop a While traditional treatments comprehensive and individual- are often essential to eliminate a ized care plan. ■ patient’s cancer, at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper we Consultations are made by strongly believe in patient-ori- appointment by calling ented cancer care, not cancer-ori- 855.632.2667. For more information please talk ented patient care. We are not to a member of your machines to be fxed, but peo- cancer care team. ple to be healed. Based on this Letter from the Editor: A wise person once said… and long-term survivorship with strength and “Wellness is the complete confdence. Integrative oncology services can be integration of body, mind and incorporated into a patient’s care plan no matter where spirit – the realization that they are in their cancer journey. everything we do, think, feel Lifestyle Programs and believe has an effect on In addition to one-on-one integrative oncology our state of well-being.” consultations with Dr. Mehta, we will offer disease-site specifc focused Lifestyle Programs. The Lifestyle Programs At MD Anderson Cancer Center are designed to provide cancer survivors with an at Cooper we believe that the Bonnie Mehr introduction to the three pillars of a healthy lifestyle. best health outcomes are Participants will learn about the importance of nutrition, reached by treating the whole patient and not just physical activity and emotional health and take part in the cancer. That philosophy of care drives us to offer activities such as yoga, meditation and exercise with the our patients not just outstanding cancer treatment, goal of regaining a sense of physical and mental empower - but with programs and services that provide care ment after a cancer diagnosis. Details to be announced. for the mind, body and spirit. Seeds of Hope Project In this issue of Survivor Times I am excited to share The Seeds of Hope Project is a new venture from The with you our 2016 schedule of classes and programs Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program that offered through the Dr. Diane Barton Complementary will be offered in Voorhees in spring 2016. Patients will Medicine Program. In addition to the classes that you’ve plan and tend an organic vegetable and herb garden in known and enjoyed for years, you’ll see quite a few new the space adjacent to the Dr. Diane Barton Healing offerings. We hope that you, as a cancer survivor living Garden. Produce harvested from the garden will be with, through or beyond cancer, can incorporate these shared through the Tea Cart Program with patients programs into your life with the goal of maximizing your receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment. health, wellness and overall state of well-being. The quality of your cancer journey Integrative Oncology Program and survivorship is important to us… Consultations are now available with MD Anderson Both Integrative and Complementary Medicine utilize Cooper’s Integrative Oncology Program. evidence-based therapies that focus on mind, body and spirit while supporting mainstream medical care. Our So….you may ask, “What is Integrative Oncology?” programs are designed to help cancer survivors discover ways to cope with the stress and anxiety of their Integrative oncology is an approach to cancer care diagnosis, and to alleviate some of the side effects of which addresses the whole patient, making use of all their treatment. health care professionals, disciplines and proven These programs, lectures and activities offer patients treatment approaches to achieve optimal health and access to social, educational and support opportunities. healing. An integrative oncologist seeks to support the All programs are free for cancer survivors; body's own healing abilities through techniques that regardless of where you received your cancer treatment encourage personal responsibility, empowerment and – all are welcome. I encourage you to check out the lifestyle choices that can improve cancer outcomes and program options listed in this edition. overall quality of life. Integrative therapies can beneft If you would like to submit an article or make a people who are at risk for developing cancer, survivors donation to the Dr. Diane Barton Complementary and others undergoing treatment. Medicine Program, please contact me at: mehr- Pallav K. Mehta, MD, a medical oncologist, Director [email protected] of the Integrative Oncology Program, and co-author of the book “After Cancer Care: The Defnitive Self-Care Be Well… Guide to Getting and Staying Well for Patients After Cancer,” believes that strengthening the body through exercise and nutrition and empowering the mind to manage stress and anxiety can result in optimized Bonnie Mehr cancer treatment and a return to wellness. Editor, Survivor Times Newsletter Director, Integrative Oncology Services An Integrative oncology consultation with Dr. Mehta Director, The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program can guide cancer patients through diagnosis, treatment MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper 2 SURVIVOR TIMES • Volume 8, Issue 1 VOORHEES THE DR. DIANE BARTON COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE PROGRAM JANUARY – AUGUST 2016 Core Strengthening & Stamina Building LIVE & LEARN Through Belly Dancing FOR CANCER SURVIVORS A NEW PERSPECTIVE FOR THE CANCER PATIENT This fun class will cover all the basics of the ancient art of belly TIME: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. dancing in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. We will work on strength, isolations and conditioning through the belly dance • Thursday, March 31, 2016: technique. Come learn a variety of moves and choreography that IN HONOR OF NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH: will be broken down at the beginner level. No experience is Spring Strength-Building Smoothies necessary and hip scarves will be provided. and Vitamix Demo and Tasting PRACTITIONER: Dee Farley, The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary PRESENTED BY: MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper Oncology Medicine Program Nutrition Department DATES: May 25; June 8 & 22 TIME: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. • Thursday, April 14, 2016: Guided Imagery & Meditation USING NEW TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING for Calming Anxiety FOR CANCER SURVIVORS PRESENTED BY: MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper Behavioral This class uses meditation and guided imagery to calm anxiety by Medicine Department teaching patients: • How to use meditation to cultivate well being. • Thursday, May 12, 2016: • Mindful meditation to reduce stress and anxiety. HOW THE INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY and • Visualizations for inner peace and healing. COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE PROGRAMS PRACTITIONER: Corinne Corcoran, EdD, NCBTMB, ARCB, CAN BENEFIT YOUR CANCER JOURNEY: The Dr.