Posted in Cancer

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. ...

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 ...

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...

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 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...

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...