Naturopathic Cancer Care is a collaborative effort between you, your conventional Medical team and your Naturopathic Doctor. Naturopathic Doctors offer a unique approach to Cancer Care, with substantial evidence supporting treatments that lessen the side effects of chemotherapy, improve the effect of chemotherapy, and improve quality and length of life. Depending on your goals, treatments such as IV therapy, diet support, acupuncture and oral nutrient therapy can all be effective treatment options. Naturopathic Cancer Care primarily focuses on areas such as Chemotherapy side effects, preventing weight loss or encouraging weight loss, and improving immune health to enable you to carry on with your conventional care.

Often it takes only one visit for patients to experience the benefits of a collaborative approach to their cancer care. We see our cancer patients as little as 2 times per year and as often as weekly depending on their needs, stages of disease and level of support they need. Ask us how seeing an ND could be incorporated into your cancer care with a no-charge interview with Dr. Robertson

Reducing Chemotherapy Side Effects
The side effects of Chemotherapy can have a negative impact on your quality of life. Common side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, nerve damage and cognitive impairment can all be treated concurrently by a Naturopathic Doctor. Nutrients such as fish oil, ginger, Acetyl-L-Carnitne, and Glutamine all have positive evidence for reducing side effects and can be prescribed for each individual based on Chemo regime and dosing schedule. Effects can be seen in as little as 1-2 weeks when prescribed on an acute basis.

Immune Health and Anti-Cancer Therapies
Reduced white blood cells is a significant concern during Chemotherapy, and can interfere with your regularly scheduled treatments. Intravenous Vitamin C (IVC) has been shown to improve immune markers in Cancer patients, improve the effect of many Chemotherapeutic drugs, and improves quality of life of patients undergoing Chemotherapy. Collaborative discussion of IVC with your Oncologist can help determine your dosing schedule of IV nutrients. Many patients can be treated 1-2 times per week depending on their Chemotherapy drugs, and stage of Cancer. Each case is unique, and warrants a discussion whether IV therapy during Chemo can be offered, or limited to follow up care.

If you are experiencing late-stage cancer, or have chosen not to use conventional medical interventions for your disease, you can be greatly assisted by focusing on improving quality and length of life. The majority of research on IVC has been on late-stage pancreatic cancer, with improvements in both length and quality of life, even if Chemotherapy is not an option. IVC and other Naturopathic therapies have been shown to have a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Treatments include herbs such as Green Tea and Curcumin, and nutrients such as melatonin and Vitamin D. Acupuncture has also been shown to improve pain, sleep and quality of life in late-stage cancer patients.

At our office, new patient exams for Cancer patients are 90 minutes. This allows us to fully understand each your case, goals, and to thoroughly discuss your treatment options. Patients entering the IV program will be sent for the necessary lab work before beginning treatment, but all patients can expect to leave their first visit with a detailed treatment plan to begin immediately.

New patient appointments can be booked by calling the office at 905-631-5353. If you are unsure whether a Naturopathic Doctor can assist in your care you can request a complimentary phone consult with Dr. Robertson.