In earlier blogs I’ve discussed a growing trend that is occurring in medicine in general, and oncology in particular. With more than 80 percent of all people with cancer now using some form of complementary and alternative therapy, it is timely and illuminating to review how this trend has evolved, what “integrative oncology” means, and where this field is heading.

In 1971, famous New York Times reporter James Reston was accompanying President Richard Nixon on his groundbreaking trip to China. Reston developed acute appendicitis and underwent emergency surgery using acupuncture for anesthesia. The New York Times report of this created quite a sensation. For the first time, an ancient healing modality—long considered “quack medicine” by Western physicians—was acknowledged as having value.

This event launched what could be called the era of alternative medicine in the United States, which lasted throughout the 1970s and 1980s. During these two decades, millions of American’s began to explore a wide variety of nonconventional forms of medicine and healing modalities.

The 1990s ushered in what could be called the era of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). These years brought an explosion of increasing CAM use among the general public, and especially patients with cancer. In 1999, Congress established the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Its initial budget of $50 million grew to $122.7 million in 2006.

The year 2000 heralded the emerging era of integrative medicine and oncology, with the formation of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine. “Integrative oncology” refers to the safe and effective use of CAM therapies, along with conventional care, for people with cancer. By definition, it strives to address the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs and concerns of patients and families, as well as their physical needs. In 2002 the first integrative oncology journal, Integrative Cancer Therapies, was published, and in 2003, the Society for Integrative Oncology was inaugurated. The first integrative oncology textbook, Integrative Oncology: Principles and Practice, was published in 2006. More than 60 percent of U.S. medical schools are now offering curricula related in some way to integrative medicine.

In recent years, some of the country’s most prestigious cancer centers—including the National Cancer Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and MD Anderson Cancer Center—have developed integrative oncology programs. They are offering a widening array of services to patients and families, and are conducting important research on the benefits of CAM therapies in cancer.

Clearly, integrative oncology is a growing trend that represents the future of cancer care. It is inspiring and exciting to see how research in this field is leading to more holistic, compassionate, “integrative” care for the whole person, not just the disease. The Seven Levels of Healing® program, and many other resources on the Caring4Cancer website, provide leading-edge information and guidance about how to address healing on all levels for you and your loved ones.

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Posted Aug 10 2007, 10:12 AM by DrJeremyGeffen