What adjunctive care means
Adjunctive care means that it runs alongside the treatment your oncology team provides, addresses symptoms and the effects of treatment on your body, and is coordinated with that team. Your oncologist remains the doctor who is responsible for your cancer treatment and tracking progression.
- Supplement and medication review: your ND may prescribe supplements that are safe with your medications and tailored to your health goals. Naturopathic doctors are familiar with medication and supplement interactions, and have tools to check for them, since not all supplements are safe to take at various stages of the cancer journey.
- Symptoms and effects of treatment: a cancer diagnosis is inherently stressful, and often interferes with sleep, digestion, mood and more. Naturopathic doctors want to help you feel well while you are going through cancer treatment.
- Pelvic floor therapy: should be considered for cancers of the colon, reproductive tract and genitourinary system, to aid in recovering normal functioning. See pelvic floor therapy with Taryn Bloodworth, RNBN.
- Movement: Lindsay Porter designs exercise programs for people during and after treatment, with your care team's agreement. See exercise during cancer treatment.
Coordinated with your oncology team
Tell your oncologist and pharmacist that you're seeing an ND, and bring your treatment details to every visit. Dr. Erin Esau, ND will share her notes and recommendations with your team on request, so everyone is working from the same plan.
