Sterling Hospitals Sindhu Bhavan, Ahmedabad offers integrative oncology services, which combine conventional cancer treatments with complementary therapies to provide comprehensive care for cancer patients.

What is Integrative Oncology?

Integrative oncology is a type of cancer care that combines traditional Western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies (CAM). The goal of integrative oncology is to improve the patient's quality of life and to help them achieve the best possible outcome.

The aim is to improve overall well-being, enhance treatment outcomes, and minimize treatment-related side effects.

Following services are provided at Sterling Hospitals Sindhu Bhavan,  Ahmedabad:

• Personalized Treatment Plans: The integrative oncology department at Sterling Hospitals Sindhu Bhavan recognizes that each patient is unique and requires individualized care. The team of oncologists, complementary therapists, and supportive care specialists work together to develop personalized treatment plans that consider the specific needs and preferences of each patient.
• Complementary Therapies: The hospital offers a range of complementary therapies that can be integrated with conventional cancer treatments. These therapies include acupuncture, yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, massage therapy, and mind-body techniques. These therapies are aimed at reducing treatment-related side effects, managing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, and improving overall quality of life.
• Nutritional Support: The integrative oncology department emphasizes the importance of nutrition in cancer care. The hospital has a team of registered dietitians who provide personalized nutritional counseling to cancer patients. They offer guidance on maintaining a healthy diet, managing treatment-related side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite, and optimizing nutritional intake to support the body during treatment.
• Pain Management: Managing cancer-related pain is a crucial aspect of integrative oncology. The hospital has a dedicated pain management team that utilizes a multimodal approach to alleviate pain. This may include medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, and other complementary therapies. The goal is to improve pain control and enhance overall quality of life for patients.
• Psychological Support: The integrative oncology department recognizes the emotional and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The hospital has a team of psychologists and counselors who provide individual and group counseling sessions to help patients cope with the emotional challenges of cancer. They offer techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies to improve emotional well-being.
• Survivorship Programs: Sterling Hospitals Sindhu Bhavan offers survivorship programs to support patients after completing their cancer treatment. These programs focus on addressing the long-term effects of cancer treatment, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and providing ongoing support and monitoring. The goal is to help patients transition to a healthy and fulfilling life post-treatment.
• Research and Education: The integrative oncology department actively participates in research studies and clinical trials to advance the field of integrative cancer care. The hospital collaborates with renowned institutions to explore the effectiveness of different complementary therapies and their integration with conventional treatments. This commitment to research ensures that patients receive the most up-to-date and evidence-based care.
• Collaborative Approach: The integrative oncology department at Sterling Hospitals Sindhu Bhavan follows a collaborative approach to cancer care. The team of oncologists, complementary therapists, supportive care specialists, and other healthcare professionals work together to coordinate and integrate all aspects of the patient's care. Regular communication and multidisciplinary tumor board meetings ensure that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care.

Types of Integrative Therapies

There are many different types of integrative therapies that can be used for cancer care. Some of the most common include:

• Exercise: Exercise is important for overall health, and it can also help to improve the body's ability to fight cancer. 
• Mind-body therapies: Mind-body therapies, such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi, can help to reduce stress and improve the patient's sense of well-being. 
• Herbal medicine: Some herbs have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any herbs, as some can interact with traditional cancer treatments. 
• Supplements: Some supplements, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to be beneficial for cancer patients. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as some can interact with traditional cancer treatments. 
• Dietary changes: Making changes to your diet can help to improve your overall health and well-being, and it may also help to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. 

The integrative oncology department at Sterling Hospitals Sindhu Bhavan is committed to providing holistic and patient-centered care for cancer patients. By integrating evidence-based conventional treatments with complementary therapies, the hospital aims to optimize treatment outcomes, improve quality of life, and support patients throughout their cancer journey.

Benefits of Integrative Oncology

There are many potential benefits to integrative oncology, including:

• Improved quality of life: Integrative therapies can help to reduce side effects of traditional cancer treatments, such as fatigue, nausea, and pain. They can also help to improve the patient's mood and sense of well-being. 
• Increased survival rates: Some studies have shown that integrative therapies can help to improve survival rates for certain types of cancer. 
• Reduced risk of recurrence: Integrative therapies can help to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by strengthening the immune system. 
• More choices: Integrative oncology gives patients more choices about their cancer care. They can choose to use traditional Western medicine, CAM, or a combination of both. 

Integrative Oncology at Sterling Hospitals Sindhu Bhavan

Sterling Hospitals Sindhu Bhavan offers a comprehensive integrative oncology program that is designed to meet the individual needs of each patient. The program is led by a team of experienced doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who are dedicated to providing patients with the best possible care.