A Crucial Component in the Survivorship Journey
As two-time lymphoma cancer survivors, we understand the journey of survivorship can be overwhelming and challenging. Integrative care has become an increasingly important aspect of cancer care, as it addresses cancer survivors’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Integrative care approaches cancer care from a holistic perspective, focusing on the whole person and not just the disease.
The role of integrative care in survivorship is crucial. It provides survivors the tools and resources to manage their physical and emotional well-being after treatment.
Survivorship care plans, complementary therapies, nutrition and exercise, managing symptoms and recurrence, support services, quality of life and wellness, prevention and risk reduction, and the role of health professionals are all important components of integrative care.
Clinical outcomes of integrative care have been shown to improve patient outcomes, including quality of life, symptom management, and survival rates.
Key Takeaways
- Integrative care is a holistic approach to cancer care that addresses survivors’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Survivorship care plans, complementary therapies, nutrition and exercise, managing symptoms and recurrence, support services, quality of life and wellness, prevention and risk reduction, and the role of health professionals are all important components of integrative care.
- Clinical outcomes of integrative care have been shown to improve patient outcomes, including quality of life, symptom management, and survival rates.
The Role of Integrative Care in Survivorship
As two-time lymphoma cancer survivors, we understand the importance of high-quality, patient-centered care during the survivorship journey. Integrative care is crucial in ensuring survivors receive holistic and comprehensive care that addresses their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
This integrative care combines conventional medicine with complementary and alternative therapies to support the whole person. Integrative oncology, a subset of integrative care, focuses on cancer care. Integrative medicine programs offer various services, including mind-body therapies, acupuncture, massage, and nutrition counseling.
Alternative medicine, such as herbal supplements and acupuncture, can be used alongside conventional treatments to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Mind-body therapies like meditation and yoga can reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being. Nutrition counseling can help survivors maintain a healthy diet and manage the side effects of treatment.
Integrated care can also help address disparities in survivorship care. Integrative care can help overcome barriers to receiving high-quality cancer treatment by providing care tailored to the individual. Integrative care models can be disease-specific or general and can be supplied in separate survivorship clinics or integrated into existing cancer care settings.
Survivorship Care Plans
As cancer survivors, we know that the journey of survivorship does not end with the completion of treatment. We face unique healthcare needs that require ongoing attention and care. That’s where survivorship care plans come in.
Survivorship care plans are personalized documents designed to improve the care of cancer survivors. A seminal Institute of Medicine report in 2006 recommended these plans, which identified the transition to post-treatment care as an integral period for patients. The necessary elements of an SCP include a treatment summary, a concise surveillance plan, and recommendations for follow-up care.
One of the benefits of survivorship care plans is that they help us understand the consequences of cancer on our health. SCPs provide information about the potential long-term effects of treatment, such as cognitive impairment, fatigue, and lymphedema. This knowledge empowers us to take an active role in our care and make informed decisions about our health.
SCP also helps us navigate the complex healthcare system. With SCPs, we have a clear roadmap for follow-up care, including screenings, tests, and appointments with specialists. This ensures that we receive the appropriate care at the right time, reducing the risk of recurrence and improving our overall health.
Although many cancer programs and practices have initiated the integration of survivorship care plans into the continuum of care, multiple facets of the current healthcare delivery system can make developing and delivering these plans an ongoing challenge. However, with the support of our healthcare providers, we can ensure that we receive the care we need to live healthy and fulfilling lives as cancer survivors.
Complementary Therapies in Survivorship
As survivors, we know the journey after cancer treatment can be challenging. Complementary therapies can play an essential role in our recovery, helping us manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve our quality of life.
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice, can help alleviate pain, nausea, and fatigue. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, stimulating nerve endings, and releasing endorphins.
Yoga, a mind-body practice, can help us reconnect with our bodies and reduce stress. It involves breathing exercises, meditation, and physical postures that promote flexibility, strength, and balance.
Massage therapy can help us manage pain, anxiety, and depression. It involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues, promoting relaxation, and improving circulation.
Meditation, a mindfulness practice, can help us manage stress, anxiety, and depression. It involves focusing on the present moment cultivating awareness and acceptance.
Tai chi, a gentle martial art, can help us improve our balance, flexibility, and coordination. It involves slow, flowing movements that promote relaxation and mindfulness.
These complementary therapies can help us manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve our quality of life as we navigate survivorship. We must discuss these options with our healthcare team to ensure they are safe and effective.
Nutrition and Exercise in Survivorship
As cancer survivors, we know that a healthy diet and regular exercise can play an essential role in our journey of survivorship. A balanced diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, and fruits can help us maintain a healthy body weight, reduce our risk of chronic diseases, and improve our overall well-being.
It’s important to note that our body mass index (BMI) can also affect our survivorship journey. Maintaining a healthy BMI through proper nutrition and regular exercise can help reduce our risk of cancer recurrence and other chronic illnesses.
In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise can also play a vital role in our survivorship journey. Exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue, improve mood, and increase overall physical function. We can start with light exercises such as walking or yoga and gradually increase our activity level as we feel more comfortable.
Making small changes to our diet and exercise habits can improve our overall health and well-being as cancer survivors. We can work with our healthcare providers to develop a personalized nutrition and exercise plan that fits our needs and goals.
Managing Symptoms and Recurrence
Managing symptoms and preventing recurrence are crucial aspects of the cancer survivorship journey. As survivors, we often experience late and long-term sequelae of cancer and its treatment, such as pain, fatigue, fear of recurrence, and stress. Integrative medicine (IM) modalities can be essential in managing symptoms and promoting healing.
One of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer survivors is pain. IM modalities such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and mind-body therapies like meditation and yoga can relieve and improve overall well-being. Pain management is essential for survivors to maintain their quality of life and manage cancer’s physical and emotional toll.
Fatigue is another common symptom experienced by cancer survivors. IM modalities like exercise and nutrition can help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue. Survivors can work with their healthcare providers to develop an exercise program tailored to their needs and abilities.
Nausea is another symptom that can be managed with IM modalities. Acupuncture, ginger, and mind-body therapies like guided imagery and relaxation techniques can help reduce nausea and improve overall quality of life.
Lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling in the arms or legs, can also be managed with IM modalities like manual lymphatic drainage and compression garments. These modalities can help improve lymphatic flow and reduce swelling.
Sexual dysfunction and memory problems are other common issues that cancer survivors may face. Survivors can work with their healthcare providers to develop a plan that includes IM modalities like counseling, mindfulness, and cognitive rehabilitation to improve sexual function and memory.
Support Services for Survivors
As survivors, we know that the journey of survivorship can be challenging, and we need all the support we can get. That’s why it’s essential to identify and utilize the various support services available to us. These services can help us manage life’s physical, emotional, and practical challenges after cancer.
One of the most critical support services for survivors is emotional support. We need someone to discuss our fears, worries, and concerns. Many hospitals and cancer centers offer counseling services for survivors and their families. These services can be individual or group sessions, and they can help us cope with the emotional toll of cancer.
Another essential support service for survivors is practical support. This includes resources to help us manage the day-to-day challenges of life after cancer. For example, some hospitals offer financial counseling services to help us manage the cost of treatment and other expenses. Others provide nutrition counseling to help us maintain a healthy diet and manage any side effects of treatment.
Support groups are another valuable resource for survivors. These groups bring together people who have gone through similar experiences and can provide a sense of community and understanding. They can also offer practical advice and emotional support.
In addition to these services, many other support services are available to survivors. These may include transportation services, home health care, and assistance with daily living activities. It’s essential to identify the most relevant services to our needs and take advantage of them.
Overall, support services are a crucial part of the survivorship journey. They can help us manage life’s physical, emotional, and practical challenges after cancer and provide us with the support we need to thrive.
Quality of Life and Wellness
Regarding the journey of survivorship, quality of life and wellness are crucial components. As two-time lymphoma cancer survivors, we understand firsthand the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and caring for our bodies and minds. We advocate for integrative care, emphasizing health promotion and wellness.
Quality of life encompasses many physical, emotional, and social well-being factors. Integrative care can help improve quality of life by addressing these various aspects of health. For example, physical therapy and exercise can help manage symptoms such as fatigue and pain, while counseling and support groups can provide emotional support and help manage stress and anxiety.
Wellness is also a key component of survivorship. Integrative care can help promote wellness by focusing on the whole person, not just the disease. This may include nutrition counseling, acupuncture, massage therapy, and other complementary therapies. These therapies can help manage the side effects of treatment, improve overall health, and promote a sense of well-being.
In addition to these therapies, health promotion is another important aspect of integrative care. This may include education on healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management. By promoting healthy habits, survivors can actively participate in their health and well-being.
Integrative care emphasizing quality of life and wellness can help survivors thrive during and after treatment. By addressing health’s physical, emotional, and social aspects, survivors can improve their overall quality of life and promote well-being.
Prevention and Risk Reduction
As cancer survivors, we understand the importance of prevention and risk reduction. Taking proactive steps to reduce our risk of cancer recurrence is critical to our long-term health. Here are some key strategies that we can all use to reduce our risk of cancer:
- Education: The more we know about cancer and how it develops, the better equipped we are to prevent it. By staying informed about the latest research and developments in cancer prevention, we can make informed decisions about our health and take steps to reduce our risk of cancer.
- Smoking: Smoking is a leading cause of cancer and can increase the risk of recurrence in cancer survivors. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your cancer risk.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. We can reduce our cancer risk by managing inflammation through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
- Insulin: High insulin levels in the body have been linked to an increased cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can reduce cancer risk and improve overall health.
Taking a proactive approach to prevention and risk reduction can reduce our risk of cancer recurrence and improve our overall health and well-being.
Role of Health Professionals
As cancer survivors, we understand the importance of having a team of health professionals who work collaboratively to provide us with the best possible care. The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to survivorship care that involves primary care providers (PCPs) and oncologists working together to address the unique needs of cancer survivors.
PCPs are vital in survivorship care by continuously monitoring our health and well-being. They can help us manage any long-term side effects of cancer treatment and address any new health concerns that may arise. Conversely, oncologists may focus more on cancer-specific issues, such as monitoring for recurrence or managing treatment-related symptoms.
Integrative care is an approach that recognizes the importance of addressing the whole person, not just the disease. Health professionals who practice integrative care aim to address cancer survivors’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This approach may include a combination of conventional medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, as well as complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, and meditation.
As cancer survivors, we appreciate health professionals who take a patient-centered approach to care. This means they listen to our concerns, involve us in treatment decisions, and work with us to develop a survivorship care plan that meets our unique needs. Health professionals who practice with empathy and compassion can help us feel more supported and empowered in our survivorship journey.
In summary, health professionals play a critical role in the survivorship journey. By working collaboratively and taking a patient-centered approach, they can help us manage our care’s physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Integrative care offers a holistic approach to survivorship care that can help us achieve optimal health and well-being.
Clinical Outcomes of Integrative Care
Integrative care has been shown to have positive clinical outcomes for cancer survivors. Studies have demonstrated integrative care can improve physical symptoms such as fatigue and pain and emotional symptoms such as anxiety and fear [1].
In addition, integrative care has been found to improve the quality of life and overall well-being of cancer survivors [1]. This is important because cancer survivors often face ongoing physical and emotional challenges after treatment ends.
One study found that cancer survivors who received integrative care had lower stress and anxiety levels than those who did not [2]. Another study found that integrative care was associated with improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia symptoms in cancer survivors [3].
Overall, the evidence suggests integrative care can be a practical approach to supporting cancer survivors’ physical and emotional needs. Healthcare providers must consider integrative care as part of a comprehensive survivorship care plan.
References:
- Integrative medicine in cancer survivors. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28459738/
- The Cancer Survivorship Journey: Models of Care, Disparities, Barriers, and Future Directions. https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/EDBK_156039
- The efficacy of integrative medicine for cancer survivors. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5812309/
Final Thoughts…
As survivors, we understand the complexities of the journey of survivorship and the importance of integrative care. We have learned that survivorship is about physical health and emotional and mental well-being. Integrative care offers a holistic approach to survivorship, addressing the whole person and their unique needs.
We urge all survivors to seek out integrative care options. By doing so, survivors can take an active role in their care and improve their overall quality of life. Integrative care can include various options, such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, and meditation. These practices can help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain and improve sleep and overall well-being.
It is important to note that integrative care should not replace traditional medical care but rather complement it. Survivors should always consult their healthcare team before starting new integrative care practices. Additionally, survivors should be wary of false or exaggerated claims made by some integrative care providers. It is crucial to do research and seek out reputable providers.
In conclusion, survivorship is a unique journey requiring a personalized care approach. Integrative care can play a vital role in survivorship, promoting overall well-being and improving quality of life. As survivors, we encourage all to explore integrative care options and work with their healthcare team to create a comprehensive care plan. -T
Frequently Asked Questions
What is integrative care, and how can it benefit cancer survivors?
Integrative care is a type of healthcare that combines conventional medicine with complementary therapies to address cancer survivors’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Integrative care can benefit cancer survivors by improving their quality of life, reducing symptoms, and enhancing their overall well-being.
What resources are available to cancer survivors seeking integrative care?
There are a variety of resources available to cancer survivors seeking integrative care. Cancer centers and hospitals often have integrative medicine programs that offer various services, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and meditation. Additionally, many community-based organizations and online resources provide information and support for cancer survivors seeking integrative care.
How can survivorship care plans address the unique needs of cancer survivors?
Survivorship care plans are personalized documents that outline a cancer survivor’s care plan, including follow-up care, potential late effects of treatment, and recommendations for healthy living. These plans can address the unique needs of cancer survivors by providing guidance on managing symptoms, improving overall health and well-being, and addressing emotional and spiritual needs.
What role do integrative therapies play in managing cancer-related symptoms?
Integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and mind-body practices, can be crucial in managing cancer-related symptoms. These therapies can help reduce pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression and improve overall quality of life.
What are some common barriers to accessing integrative care for cancer survivors?
Common barriers to accessing integrative care for cancer survivors include lack of insurance coverage, limited availability of services in some geographic regions, and financial constraints. Additionally, some cancer survivors may hesitate to try integrative therapies due to a lack of knowledge or concerns about safety and effectiveness.
What efforts are being made to address disparities in survivorship care for underserved populations?
Efforts are being made to address disparities in survivorship care for underserved populations through community outreach programs, improved access to healthcare services, and increased education and awareness about the benefits of integrative care. Additionally, ongoing research aims to identify effective strategies for improving survivorship care for underserved populations.
