You may have heard the term “integrative oncology” and wondered what it means – and if you or a loved one with cancer could benefit from it.
The short answer: absolutely. Integrative oncology uses complementary therapies alongside traditional cancer treatments. For cancer patients, this could mean extra support with treatment side effects, stress relief and emotional balance during a difficult time.
Northern Kentucky cancer patients and their families will soon have access to these services in one location at the new St. Elizabeth Cancer Center, a state-of-the-art cancer facility with a dedicated integrative oncology space, call the doTERRA Center for Integrative Oncology.
“The Center for Integrative Oncology is a testament to our CEO’s vision for Northern Kentucky to become one of the healthiest communities in America,” says Dwinelva Zackery, Director of Integrative Oncology at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “Our comprehensive, patient-centered facility is unique because we offer all of our services in one location.”
The doTERRA Center for Integrative Oncology will be located on the first floor of the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center, comprising of over 6,200 square feet. Services offered to patients and their families include:
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Art therapy
- Counseling
- Demonstration kitchen for healthy meal prep
- Massage
- Meditation
- Music therapy
- Reiki
- Support groups
- Thai Chi
- Yoga
“Going through cancer treatment is so hard,” says Zackery. “We wanted to create a space that addresses the physical, mental and spiritual needs of our cancer patients and their families.”
Supporting the community
During a cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery journey, many patients experience a range of emotions. Depression and anxiety are common, both for patients and for their families.
The new St. Elizabeth Cancer Center will offer on-site individual and family counseling through the partners at Cancer Family Care. Additionally, the Cancer Support Community will facilitate support groups and yoga/meditation classes at the doTERRA Center for Integrative Oncology to help strengthen the mind-body connection.
Caregivers who work at the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center will also be able to utilize the space and resources as well. Classes, massages, reiki and more will be available to the St. Elizabeth Cancer Care team.
“We recognized the need to take care of our caregivers, so they can keep giving the best patient-centered care to our patients,” says Zackery.
doTERRA Partnership
An exciting partnership between St. Elizabeth and doTERRA International is helping to elevate the Center for Integrative Oncology to new heights. It will pave the way for aromatherapy to become a routine part of supportive cancer care.
“A lot of our patients already use complementary medicine with their cancer treatments, but might be reluctant to mention it to their doctors,” says Zackery. “This opens the door to that important conversation.”
The St. Elizabeth Cancer Care team will work closely with patients to determine the best complementary medicine regimens, helping to support them through chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery. Many patients find success with these integrative oncology therapies to improve their quality of life.
For more information about the doTERRA Center for Integrative Oncology please click here.
