Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group

Pneumatic Compression Therapy for Lymphoedema: An Effective and Essential Treatment

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly those who have undergone cancer treatment. Characterised by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, it leads to swelling, discomfort, and reduced mobility, often impac

Infrared Saunas: A Modern Solution for Detox and Relaxation

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Sweating is an important pathway of detoxification, and a range of metabolites from heavy metals, pesticides and other chemical products can be found in human sweat. Saunas have been used for centuries to support detoxification via sweat, in order to maxi

Breathing New Life: Exploring the Wellness Benefits of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may offer a range of benefits from improved cognitive function to enhanced physical performance and expedited recovery.

Yoga as medicine

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 02:00:00 +0000

Researchers have found that practicing yoga twice a week for 75 minutes can help reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning. Join us for our upcoming 8 week yoga course!

Embracing Lifestyle Medicine

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +0000

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of lifestyle medicine in integrative cancer care and how it empowers individuals to actively participate in taking back control of their health and wellbeing.

Herbal Medicine Allies for Immunity

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The power of nature lies in the immune-enhancing properties of herbs such as astragalus, echinacea, and reishi mushroom. By incorporating these herbs into your daily routine through teas or culinary creations, you can strengthen your immune system.

Our favourite foods to boost your immune system this winter

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Want to strengthen your immune system and boost your body's ability to fight germs this winter? Here are our top 5 immune boosting foods to include in your diet.

From Plate to Powerhouse: Elevate Your Nutrition Game with these Delicious Tips and Tricks

Wed, 17 May 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Did you know that only 6.1% of adults in Australia eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables per day?! This figure falls even further when we look at men specifically, with only 2.9% of men consuming adequate amounts. This needs to change!

Power Up Your Heart: Transform Your Life with these Heart Health Hacks for Men:

Tue, 09 May 2023 23:00:00 +0000

Cardiovascular events remain one of the biggest killers of men, and cardiovascular toxicity is often increased by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. In this blog we share our top 5 tips on how men can improve their heart health.

Mental Health Effects of Cancer Treatment in Men: A Closer Look

Wed, 03 May 2023 05:40:00 +0000

Did you know that depression and anxiety affect up to 27% of male patients with a cancer diagnosis, however 73% of male patients with depression are not receiving treatment for their mental health? This is a statistic we need to change...

Cancer Support: Practical Tips for setting up a support network

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 01:00:00 +0000

Being diagnosed with cancer can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. A support network can help you navigate the challenges of this journey.

Sugar and Cancer: sweet indulgence, or sinister consequences?

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0000

There’s a lot of conflicting information when it comes to sugar and its involvement in the cancer process. The links between sugar and chronic disease are plastered all over the internet and Netflix documentaries. Is sugar really the bad guy?

Fasting and Cancer Prevention and Management

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Fasting for the management of cancer has gained a lot of interest in the research of late. Historically, as hunter gatherers, alternating periods of feast and famine was simply the way of life. Contemporary research shows fasting is associated with improv

Taking care of yourself... as the carer

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Looking after a loved one who is unwell can take its toll on the carer. Sometimes the pressure can build up to a point where the carer is no longer able to cope, or reaches a stage of burnout. Self-care is often last on the priority list: when all your ti

Cancer and Women’s Sexuality: Here’s what an acupuncturist wants you to know

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 04:00:00 +0000

The most detrimental thing when it comes to sexuality in many cancer treatment settings is a general lack of conversation around the topic. When undergoing intensive medical treatment, it becomes very easy to assign priority to other things.

Why is Vitamin D important during winter?

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Vitamin D plays an essential role in the function and maintenance of the human body. It helps our body absorb calcium, which is important for the maintenance of healthy bones and it ensures that our immune, muscle and nervous systems all function pr

A Mediterranean or Ketogenic approach to Breast Cancer: Which diet is best?

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 02:00:00 +0000

Diet is often one of the first things breast cancer patients look to improve to support their recovery and help protect them from recurrence. In this blog piece we take a closer look at 'A Mediterranean or Ketogenic approach to Breast Cancer:

Lets Talk about Poo!

Wed, 12 May 2021 23:00:00 +0000

Ok, lets talk about poo! It might not be the most comfortable of topics, but it's actually a vital part of your own gut health and a window into your digestive system.

The Ripple Effects of Cancer

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Coping with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer ripples out to those close to the person managing their illness. In this blog post we acknowledge 3 frequent themes caused by the ripple effects of cancer.

Fertility after Cancer

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 23:00:00 +0000

For many young people with cancer, fertility is another major source of fear and anxiety when it comes to cancer and cancer treatment.

How to do a Breast Self Exam

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Knowing how to do a Breast Self Exam is an important skill, and a habit you should really be getting into once a month. It only takes a few minutes, and it can literally save your life.

Acupuncture for people undergoing cancer treatment

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine single use, disposable needles into surface areas on the body that can directly influence the internal organs and systems, as well as the muscles.

Cancer and Oncology Massage Therapy

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Oncology Massage Therapy is a safe specialised form of massage therapy that is completely tailored to meet the unique and changing needs of someone currently undergoing cancer treatment. Research shows that Oncology Massage Therapy can improve sympt

What is Inflammation and why is it so important?

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

If you are a patient at MIOG, the word inflammation will not be new to you. Whether we are talking about an anti-inflammatory diet, anti-inflammatory herbs (hello curcumin!) and nutrients, or pro-inflammatory foods. But what is inflammation and why is it

What is Soluble and Insoluble Fibre?

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 23:00:00 +0000

Let's talk fibre... There are 2 types of fibre, soluble and insoluble

Herbal Spotlight: Withania

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 05:00:00 +0000

What is Withania? You may have heard of the herb called Withania: also known as Withania Somnifera, Winter Cherry, Ashwaganda, or Indian Ginseng. At MIOG, it is one of our most commonly used herbs and for good reason. Withania is commonly used as an adaptogen, which is a trendy buzz word these days. An adaptogen is a herb or plant based medicine that helps to modulate the body's stress response, ie it helps you adapt to stress. In addition to being an adaptogenic herb, Withani...

What are Medicinal Mushrooms?

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Medicinal Mushrooms - A Crash Course If you are patient at MIOG, you may have been prescribed medicinal mushrooms in some form or another. Whether they are mixed up in your liquid herb mix, given in a powdered supplement, a tablet or capsule, or maybe they have been prescribed in your food as medicine plan. Some way or another, we generally try to get more mushrooms in to you. But why? What are medicinal mushrooms? Medicinal mushrooms have been used for hundreds of year...

An Opportunity I Never Saw Coming

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Hello, my name is Kate Caine. I've been a patient at MIOG as part of my treatment for breast cancer. In my regular world, I am an Osteopath with my own practice here in Melbourne. I have also been a Medical Scientist and Lecturer to student Osteopaths and Massage Therapists. I've been used to making a diagnosis for my patients and guiding their recoveries but recently, I've had to sit on the other side of the desk and receive a diagnosis myself. And then listen to others...

Om Mani Padme Hum - The Jewel in the Lotus

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 01:00:00 +0000

Excerpt from Silver Linings - Stories from lockdown to uplift and inspire.
Have you ever felt lost? Or stood still in the middle of chaos, paralysed by fear? Sensed that your world was crashing? Heard something completely unfathomable? I have. To the point that I felt numb all over and all I could do was find comfort in my worn-out sunken armchair. It was in that moment, as I sat and stared out of the window, confused and anxious, that I became aware of the need to surrender. Bu...

All about the Thyroid

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 03:00:00 +0000

What is the thyroid gland and what does it do? Thyroid is a highly vascularised butterfly-shaped gland that is located around your throat - below the voice box and straddling the windpipe. Although quite small, it is a major regulator of metabolism, heart rate and body temperature, as well as being involved in the regulation of specific genes. It not only increases uptake of glucose & amino acids but also increases cellular energy and function. Which hormones does the thyro...

Movement After Cancer

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000

The traditional notion of resting your body to overcome cancer treatment related fatigue has been debunked a long while ago now. Instead the research is heavily supportive of exercise and movement. Research shows that moving your body during and after cancer treatment can help with: Improved mood Improved physical function Improved strength and muscle mass Improved quality of life Improved cardiovascular fitness Improved fatigue And most importantly reduce the...

Brassica vegetables and broccoli sprouts and their benefit for cancer management

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 05:00:00 +0000

If you have ever come in for a consultation here at MIOG, you will have heard our Naturopaths and Nutritionists talk about Brassicas. This humble family of vegetables is of particular interest in the Integrative Oncology world, as they contain valuable little plant compounds that have an incredible benefit for health. "Brassicas are also known as Cruciferous Vegetables, as they grow in the shape of a cross. Turn over a cauliflower or brussel sprout and have a look at the leaf formati...

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for coping with cancer

Thu, 21 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The art of tapping.
When we say "tapping" we are referring to Clinical EFT or Emotional Freedom Techniques. It is a gentle, self touch technique in which we use our own fingers to tap on specific acupressure points around the face and upper body. Based on the ancient technique of acupuncture from Traditional Chinese Medicine, EFT has been combined with modern psychology and contains elements of Mindfulness, CBT, ACT, Exposure Therapy and Positive Psychology.

Mindfulness pra...

Ketogenic Diet for Cancer Care

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Let's start by saying: No, keto is not suitable for everyone or for every cancer type. In mainstream media, "keto" has become a bit of a buzz word, particularly for fast weight loss and for supercharged energy levels. Bulletproof coffees, MCT oil, and butter and bacon seem to be back on the menu. Since realising its application in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy, there is plenty of emerging research around other clinical applications for this high fat diet. The ...

Natural and effective treatment for mucositis

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Oral mucositis is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It presents as swollen mouth and/or gums, ulcers in the mouth or on the lips, painful swallowing, feelings of dryness or burning in the mouth and throat, reflux-type sensations, and increased mucous or saliva in the mouth. Mucositis can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, however if in the mouth (ie oral mucositis) it is particularly noticeable and painful. Why am I getting mucositis ...

Genetic Testing in Cancer Care

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 02:00:00 +0000

Genes are what make you, you. It is the information passed down from parents to children, to determine things like eye colour, skin tone and height. Under the surface, it also determines all biochemical processes like metabolism, hormone production, how your body uses nutrients, and the predisposition for health conditions.
How much do we know about genes and genetic mutations in relation to cancer? When it comes to cancer, you may know that certain genes or genetic mutations are link...

What is Lymphoedema?

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition where there is an excessive build-up of protein rich fluid in a part of the lymphatic system, which causes localised swelling. Lymphoedema can occur as a result of cancer treatment where lymph nodes that are normally responsible for filtering the lymph fluid are either removed by surgery or affected by the use of radiation therapy. Approximately 20% of patients treated for breast, melanoma, gynaecological or prostate cancer will develop secondary lymphoe...

A letter to our community

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Dear MIOG Community. Well there goes another week where the themes are physical distancing, anxiety and uncertainty. It can be very stressful time for oncology patients, especially with treatment - induced immune effects and changes to your current treatment plans and options. The results of efforts are looking promising, and the distancing measures are succeeding at "flattening the curve". We are, however, still at the beginning of a long road ahead. Ipatien encourage e...

Immune boosting tips

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 23:15:00 +0000

Whilst there are no magic pills you can take to protect yourself from getting sick, there are a number of things you can do to support the strength of your immune system and body's ability to manage incoming pathogens and illnesses.
Eat fresh food Vibrant plant foods are the best sources of nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which are essential for your immune system to work efficiently. Forget stocking up on frozen pizzas, and instead buy fresh ingredients. If...

Breast cancer - a story of love, loss and transformation.

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 05:00:00 +0000

My story is one of love, loss and transformation. It began four years ago with my husband's suicide.
I responded to his death the only way I knew how: I was stoic and resilient. After taking a couple of months off work, I went back to my executive role. I went back to competitive running. I saw a counsellor each Wednesday to "schedule" my grief, but otherwise soldiered on with life and thought I was coping really well.
Two and a half years later, in November 2018, I found a...

Decision making in times of crisis

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 02:00:00 +0000

Once you receive a cancer diagnosis, everything happens very quickly. You are seen by oncologists, multiple specialists, sometimes surgeons and nurses, and you are confronted with big scary words and and statistics. A treatment approach is basically decided for you and you are thrown right into the deep end of "the world of cancer". You may not even have the time to realise that you are in crisis. Crisis
From the Greek word Krisis (decision) or Krinein (decide). The focus is ...

The use of Complementary Medicine in Cancer Care

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Many patients with cancer seek Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) during their cancer treatment (22% as an overall average, but up to 87% of women with breast cancer, and up to 50% of women with ovarian cancer). Interestingly, 40% of those patients using complementary therapies with cancer do not disclose this to their Oncologist. * This article explains what CAMs are and when they are appropriate, and ultimately aims to open up the dialogue between patients and their enti...

What is Oncology Massage

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 01:00:00 +0000

The Power of Touch Therapeutic touch is a beautiful and powerful form of compassion and care. A hug, a simple brush of the knee, or a squeeze of a hand can convey reassuring support and comfort. When someone is going through cancer treatment, a time which is incredibly stressful, scary and traumatic, many friends shy away from physical touch, perhaps in fear it may not be welcomed or cause physical pain. In fact, patients are poked and prodded and examined with surgical gloves, all of w...

Dietary approaches in cancer

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Vegan, paleo, keto, low carb, mediterranean, intermittent fasting.....
There are so many buzz words when it comes to diet these days, and most people are left confused and frustrated, not knowing what to put into their bodies. Particulary when managing or preventing cancer, diet and nutrition are incredibly important. Unfortunately, "dietary trends" don't take into account the individual needs of a person, their health status, and physical and emotional coping abilit...

Acupuncture for cancer-related pain

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Cancer pain affects most people at some stage of their cancer treatment. It can be very debilitating, and it can cause problems with sleep, day to day functioning, exercise, mental health and relationships. There are a number of ways to manage pain, and like most things cancer-related, they work best in a larger treatment plan that is centred on the patient as an individual. Does it work? Studies have shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce cancer-related pain, particul...

What is Integrative Oncology

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 03:00:00 +0000

Integrative Oncology is the use of scientifically researched and validated Complementary Therapies to support patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. It is used alongside conventional medical interventions, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or hormone therapy. Complementary Therapies may include nutritional or herbal medicine, diet and lifestyle changes, psychological support, and other non-invasive therapies such as hyperthermia, oxygen therapy and more. ...

Cancer Related Fatigue

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Of all the side effects of cancer treatment, some expected, some unexpected, cancer related fatigue is the most common and the most debilitating. What is cancer related fatigue? Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is a persistent lack of energy that is not significantly improved by sleep, and is not due to over exertion. CRF feels different to a tiredness you might feel at the end of a long day that is restored with a good nights' sleep. CRF can make it difficult to cope with the ...

Mama's Got a New Bag

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 04:00:00 +0000

It may not be Luis Vuitton or Prada....but mama's got a new (ileostomy) bag. Tales and experiences with a colostomy from one of our wonderful patients. Hi there, welcome to the club! If your experience was anything like mine, you were so beautifully cared for by the stoma nurses in hospital following your surgery. It felt like a safe little cocoon, and entering out into the world with your Colostomy bag (c-bag) on board felt a bit like leaving home. What I'd like to poin...

Breast Cancer - It's Not All About The Oestrogen

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 05:00:00 +0000

When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, they undergo a biopsy during which 3 receptivity markers are tested: ER (oestrogen), PR (progesterone) and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor). Each of these can be positive or negative, suggesting whether cancer cells are receptive to these hormones. This defines the type of breast cancer present. Most common types of breast cancer are: ER/PR+ve HER2 -ve (70-80%) ER/PR-ve HER2 +ve (20%) Triple negative (meaning all the three above...

Prostate Cancer

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 03:00:00 +0000

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men. Presenting symptoms of prostate cancer: Some men have no symptoms at all this is called 'Asymptomatic presentation'. Frequent urination (especially at night) Difficulty holding back urine (dribbling) or starting urination Interrupted or weak flow of urine Burning or painful urination Painful ejaculation Blood in semen or urine In some cases, prostate cancer can present wit...

Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Fri, 24 May 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Peripheral Neuropathy is a common side-effect of some types of chemotherapy: especially the taxanes (paclitaxel and docetaxel), the platins (cisplatin, carboplatin) and vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine). It is the tingling or numb sensation in the hands and/or feet, and is caused by nerve damage that occurs from the treatment. It can be quite painful, and may significantly impact fine motor skills and daily function, such as handling utensils, writing, typing and, when affectin...

Exercise Physiology for Patients with Cancer

Tue, 14 May 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Should patients with cancer exercise? Historically patients with cancer were advised to rest, however these days we know better! Physical activity and targeted exercise are beneficial for cancer prevention, recovery and survival, and should be a part of every cancer management program. The Department of Health and Human Services, the Americal College of Sports Medicine, and the specialist journal Oncology all have published multiple studies and review articles confirming...

Mindfulness Meditation for Patients with Cancer

Fri, 10 May 2019 01:00:00 +0000

Meditation is no longer associated with highly spiritual people sitting cross legged under a tree. It is becoming increasingly popular even with us common folk, and is proving to be very effective for managing stress and anxiety. A cancer diagnosis is clearly one of the most stressful things that can happen, and clinical studies are showing that Meditation and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction are very useful and should not be taken for granted. It is easy, safe and free - ...

Cancer at 22

Fri, 03 May 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Twenty-two is such a strange age to endure a life threatening disease. I was almost twenty-three years old, and from down the other end of the phone, from a doctor who was almost not going to bother running tests because I was "so healthy", told me that it was cancer. A late stage, but curable, blood cancer. I was too young to have wisdom under my belt, as were any of my friends trying to comfort me. I was too old to adopt the method of my youth and excitedly stay home fr...

The Role of Functional Foods in Cancer

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 05:00:00 +0000

What are functional foods? Functional foods are foods that have health benefits beyond providing basic nutrition. They have been researched and found to specifically influence health and reduce the risk of disease. Some people may call them superfoods, but there are many unsuspecting foods not labelled as 'super' which are also very beneficial and in fact very functional. A well-known example is the humble oat. Oats contain soluble fibre and beta-glucan which has been shown...

Cannabis in Oncology - Part 3

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Information for GP's, Medical Oncologists and other Health Practitioners regarding the use of cannabis for chronic cancer and pain support. Most medicinal cannabis products are 'unregistered medicines' and therefore do not appear on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. To access unregistered medicines a doctor must make an application to the TGA on a patient's behalf. Preferably this would be a specialist in the illness being treated, but a GP can manage the ap...

Cannabis in Oncology - Part 2

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 01:00:00 +0000

How to get medical cannabis extracts in Australia - what is the process? There is conclusive and substantial evidence for prescribing medicinal cannabis in many conditions, and was made legal in Australia in 2016. But medicinal cannabis is not a first line therapy in Australia - this means that it can't be prescribed at the first signs of pain, for example. It can only be prescribed if multiple medications have been trialled and the current medicines available for that condit...

Cannabis in Oncology - Part 1

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 02:00:00 +0000

What is medical cannabis and which cancer symptoms can it help? Cannabis is definitely the buzzword in cancer care right now. So let's talk about it. What exactly is in medical cannabis?
Plant-derived cannabinoids are mainly manufactured from Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plant species. Although there are more than 60 active compounds found in cannabis plant extracts, the focus of clinical interest in oncology is on CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabiol). THC a...

Welcoming Liz Stilwell

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Counsellor and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Well the 'journey' began long before I knew it was a journey... The bones of who I am, or the work Bio, says I'm a recycled Occupational Therapist - and prior to that as an Occupational Therapy aide working in Psychiatry, I had an epiphany it wasn't like Donald Neale Walsch having a conversation with God. It was just a simple sudden knowing that my voice would be my lifes' work. I was 23. I was walking up and down in a re...

Is it Safe to Exercise During Cancer Treatment?

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 23:00:00 +0000

Exercise is a safe intervention that benefits most people during and after cancer treatment and can significantly help manage some of the side effects that can occur. Research suggests that exercise can: Improve quality of life Speed up return to your usual activities Help manage some of the common side effects of treatment
The positive impacts are plentiful. Research has demonstrated that exercise can reduce side effects during different phases of breas...

The Facts About Fats and Heart Health

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 01:00:00 +0000

For a long time a low fat diet has been proposed as a key to losing weight, managing cholesterol and preventing health problems. However, the types of fat we eat matter more than the amount of fat. In other words: not all fats are bad. In fact, fats are an essential part of a balanced diet. And whilst it is important to minimize the intake of unhealthy fats, it is equally as important to increase the intake of the healthier fats. Why were we told to eat low fat? The most discussed ...

Tackling Obesity to Reduce Risk for Cancer

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Millennials, I'm talking to you! Monday was World Cancer Day, and the media releases that I saw on that day were very interesting as they were all about a healthy and preventative lifestyle! Even the Sydney Morning Herald led with the headline "Exercise and healthy diet key to reducing cancer rates, research shows" Two of the biggest risk factors that lead to increased risk of cancer incidence and recurrence is the combination of obesity and sede...

Intermittent Fasting in Cancer

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Intermittent fasting is the new buzz word in oncology care but which type is best? How do you do it? When? For how long? And what are the benefits? OK, let's start with a few definitions to set the scene... Caloric restriction (CR) is the daily reduction of dietary energy intake by approximately 30% without fasting periods. Intermittent fasting (IF) encompasses eating patterns in which individuals have extended time periods (e.g., 13-48h) with little or no energy intake, wi...

Beneficial Effects of Reflexology for Cancer Patients

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

What is Reflexology Reflexology is a form of massage, performed to the feet, hands, and/or ears. It is a manual therapy where pressure is applied in a gentle but firm squeezing fashion. The idea behind reflexology, particularly foot reflexology, is that each area of the foot corresponds to an organ or system in the body and is connected via energy channels and meridians. Massaging specific points will bring blood flow and healing to that corresponding area. This is extremely relax...

Aromatase Inhibitors in Sexual Health

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Following on from last week's blog post, a number of my patients with breast cancer brought up concerns about their treatment-induced symptoms. So let's talk about it a little more. Endocrine therapy side effects: It's not just survival that matters. I think we can all agree that Endocrine Therapy is useful for many breast cancer survivors: The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recently confirmed that although endocrine therapy doesn't affect overall surv...

Sexual Health after Cancer

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Concerns about sexual health and intimacy is something that comes up a lot with my patients; in fact, over 70% of my patients have discussed sexual issues with me. Sexual symptoms often slip under the radar of 'important issues' to discuss with your oncologist, but with more cancer survivors than ever (yay!) it is becoming more and more important to chat about it. Cancer-associated sexual symptoms may be noticeable during treatment, but more commonly they are an ongoing c...

Help! My loved one has cancer

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Having a diagnosis of cancer is one of the most shocking and stressful realities that a person can face - and not just the affected patient, but also loved ones, friends and family. The shock can last a long time, and it is a long process with many emotional ups and downs. Having a friend or loved one with the diagnosis is a shock as well carers can feel helpless, fearful and frustrated. Your loved one may need acute physical help for at least three months during/after initial surgery/ch...