Jim Moss

On November 12 & 13, 2009, I attended, on behalf of the Helen Moss Breast Cancer Foundation, the annual conference of the Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO) that was held at The New York Academy of Medicine. 

      The information presented at this conference reemphasized that integrative health care is a holistic treatment of the patient.  Health is harmony between the body, mind and soul.  An integrative approach to health care seeks to treat the body and mind in its entirety, not just the disease itself. 

      Dr. Stephen Sagar, the President of the SIO, anticipated  that the attendees of the conference will learn to: (1) define whole systems and their role in integrative oncology: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Naturopathy;  (2) identify gaps in research in each whole system with respect to cancer care; (3) evaluate the role of lifestyle and placebo effects on cancer care; and (4) begin to develop a plan to integrate whole systems care into your oncology setting.

      The study of complementary medicines is complex.  It is often difficult to study complementary medicines using random control trials.  Moreover, studies increasingly indicate that cancer cannot be treated in all patents the same way.  Cancer manifests itself in different ways for each individual at a molecular level.  But studies have demonstrated that complementary treatments can significantly alleviate and possibly reduce the effects of chemotherapy and radiation. 

      While it is true that integrative medicine is normally more effective as the patient bridges the gap between acute care and post treatment, existing data provides a great deal of hope that integrative health care can provide a great benefit to the cancer patient.  Many studies that have been done tell us that changes in lifestyle can greatly reduce or eliminate to risk of getting cancer.  Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, the author of the book Anticancer!, provided a very informative and moving presentation about his own diagnosis with cancer and the results of his study of the risk factors associated with contracting this devastating disease.     

      We all have cancer cells in our bodies.  But cancer has been increasing at an alarming rate since WWII.  Countries that have adopted western lifestyles have experienced a dramatic increase in the number of patients diagnosed with cancer.  Dr. Servan-Schreiber listed five factors he believes have had a substantial impact on the spread of cancer throughout the world.  These factors are: (1) too much sugar; (2) lack of omega 3/omega 6 balance; (3) chemical exposure (ex: pesticides); (4) lack of exercise; and (5) lack of social support.  He provided some important (and sometimes alarming) facts concerning the increase in cancer in the U.S.: 

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    • In the 19^th century the average person in the U.S. consumed 12 lbs of sugar per year.  The average person in the U.S. currently consumes 154 lbs of sugar per year.
      
    • Obesity is a leading risk factor of cancer
      
    • Our bodies are full of contaminants.  The average person in the U.S. has 148 different toxic chemicals in his blood and urine.
    • A person can significantly reduce the risk of cancer by not smoking, reducing or eliminating the consumption of alcohol, exercising, and eating the right foods.

      It is vital that the medical community in the U.S. recognizes that the strengthening of the body and mind utilizing complementary treatments in addition to conventional treatments can significantly reduce the pain and suffering that often results from treatment of cancer.  Doctors and other health care workers must work with the patient to achieve a balance that will result in a harmony between the mind, body and soul of the patient.  Until this happens many patients will suffer needlessly.