Integrative Cancer Care

 At WCN we provide comprehensive, evidence-based integrative support to adult patients with all types and stages of cancer.  Dr. Heather Barrett and Dr. Melissa Gastellum have received extensive training in how to work collaboratively with the conventional standard of treatment recommended by medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.  We do not “treat” cancer – we treat you, the patient, to help you get through conventional therapy as smoothly as possible, with the least side effects possible. Our goal is to improve the efficacy of your conventional treatment and improve your quality of life.

Integrative cancer care is evidenced-based patient centered care. In 2017, it was officially defined as being “a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. Integrative oncology aims to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during, and beyond cancer treatment." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29140493/

The journey of cancer is unique for each person.  Some start out seeking integrative care, others find it while going through conventional therapies. Our care is tailored to the needs and desires of the individual.

Whether you are focused on prevention, newly diagnosed, further along your cancer journey, or in remission, our doctors are here to support you!

Here are some examples of patients that find success with us:

  1. Patients who have never had cancer and are interested in prevention. You may be at an increased risk or have a normal risk and want to do everything you can to reduce that risk. Research highlights the benefits of naturopathic medicine in prevention of cancer and our doctors would love to work with you! Ex: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31589120

  2. Patients who have been recently diagnosed and are looking for guidance and support. Our doctors will walk with you every step of the way as we form an integrative treatment plan. Studies show that naturopathic medicine can be effective in reducing side effects and may boost the efficacy of some conventional treatments. We have seen countless patients excel beyond expectations after integrating naturopathic medicine with conventional oncology. Ex: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25716014

  3. Patients who have advanced disease and are utilizing conventional medicine. Depending on the current health of the patient, when combined with conventional treatment, naturopathic medicine may be effective in improving quality of life, reducing side effects and may boost the efficacy of conventional treatment.

  4. Patients with advanced disease and no more conventional options. In these cases, depending on the current health of the patient, naturopathic support may improve quality of life. Our medicine can be a helpful adjunct to end of life care.

  5. Patients in remission. Together, we can custom formulate an integrative care plan to help reduce your risk of recurrence. There are numerous studies supporting the use of naturopathic medicine on reduction of cancer risk. Ex: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31280187

For more information, please see our FAQs page. The doctors and staff at Walnut Creek Naturopathic look forward to working with you!