Naturopathic Oncology – viable options for patients with cancer diagnoses

We are fortunate to have oncology centers in Billings with full staffing of heath care practitioners dedicated to caring for patients diagnosed with cancers.   Along with conventional care, naturopathic physicians work collaboratively to offer care options which have numerous benefits. The scientific medical literature provides a wealth of information on various ways that patients diagnosed with cancer can improve outcomes, quality of life and overall survival with complementary naturopathic therapies.

Naturopathic physicians (ND) attend 4 year post graduate medical schools and are fully licensed in Montana. NDs working in Oncology complete specialized residencies and work towards a specific accreditation to become a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO). Our national organization, the American Association of Naturopathic Medicine (AANP), recognized this certification in 2006. Naturopathic physicians with a FABNO designation are committed to excellence in integrative oncology and to furthering the science and knowledge for the benefit of patients. One of the guides utilized by NDs in this field, is the Textbook of Naturopathic Oncology (Parmar and Kaczor, 2020). This is a comprehensive reference text for day-to-day practice providing highly relevant evidence- based recommendations for co-treatment of patients in oncology. The contributions of ‘the brightest minds in the field’ provide an excellent up to date resource for all physicians in the integrative oncology field.

The recommendations by NDs specializing in Oncology do not replace conventional care in any way and are not meant to be “alternative therapies”.  We are well aware of the seriousness of the abnormal progression of mutations to cells, resulting in abnormal growth and their tendency to spread to other tissues. While there may be a strong propensity to fear conventional treatments and assume that these cancers can be treated ‘naturally’, cancers are actually a ‘runaway’ process, evading the immune system’s capability to manage them without a more aggressive approach. Naturopathic physicians are committed to strong principles of our professional code which include:

  • Do No Harm
  • The Healing Power of Nature
  • Identify & Treat the Causes
  • Doctor as Teacher
  • Treat the Whole Person
  • Prevention

We are daily witnessing the ability of integrative treatment regimens providing the very best possible outcomes with cancers. With the ubiquitous presence of the internet and access to every type of offering, claiming cancer ‘cures’ with supplements or a solely natural approach, there is a danger that patients may be led to believe that this is possible. The most effective approach to cancer treatment is an integrative approach, considering the specific cancers and the most up to date comprehensive approach, including conventional treatments along with safe and well researched naturopathic therapies. The data strongly supports that integrative cancer treatment:

 

 

  • Improves survival of patients with cancer
  • Improves quality of life during cancer treatment
  • Reduce side effects of radiation & chemotherapy
  • Enhances effectiveness of radiation
  • Enhances effectiveness of chemotherapy

While conventional treatments may seem intimidating, these treatments are rigorously studied and have improved cure rates over the years.  Patients diagnosed with cancer, and their families, have often heard about or have witnessed relatives or friends who have suffered the negative effects of the standard treatments and are, for good reason, afraid of pursuing and even investigating these treatments. Treatment options have advanced substantially and exponentially, allowing for selective and targeted therapies that result in fewer side effects. Combining naturopathic recommendations and support is effective in addressing the specific symptoms patients experience during cancer treatments such as:

  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Mouth sores
  • Taste changes
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Rashes
  • Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve pain
  • Hot flashes

The oncologists in Billings are dedicated physicians who work long hours to provide the most comprehensive up-to-date care for patients in our community and state. We are proud to work with these professionals to help patients manage the symptoms that may result from the most effective conventional treatments to stop cancer in its tracks! This Integrative approach is proven effective and safe for patients with cancer, and we are fortunate to offer this expertise in our community and throughout Montana by ND specialists in Naturopathic Oncology.

Dr. Margaret Beeson, a naturopathic physician graduated from Bastyr College of Naturopathic Physicians in 1989. Her thriving family practice was established in Billings, Montana in 1992. YNC has also been a residency site for the Naturopathic colleges since 1996. As a Bastyr Affiliated Remote Site Residency Director she has supervised over 45 ND graduates in completion of their 2 & 3yr residencies. Dr Beeson’s joint Oncology residency with St Vincent Hospital is now in its 18th year. These residents see patients at Cancer Centers of Montana/SCL/IMH and utilize naturopathic therapies and principles in consideration of conventional oncology treatments and advise appropriate supplement use during treatment. They also see family practice patients of all ages at YNC.