The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) just held its 25th annual convention in Portland, OR. This event is a great opportunity for naturopathic physicians (NDs) to stay up-to-date on the latest news, research, and clinical pearls as well as to celebrate the steady growth of our profession. This year’s convention was full of exciting news.
One of the most exciting was the announcement of a $3.1 million grant awarded to study complementary and integrative care for breast cancer patients. The grant, awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was given to Bastyr University and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA.
Bastyr University, founded in 1978, is a pioneer in naturopathic medicine and natural health sciences. In February 2009, they opened the Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center (BIORC). The center’s mission is to improve quality of life in individuals living with cancer; reduce the risk of cancer recurrence; and track the effectiveness of complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies in treating the disease. The center offers comprehensive support for patients in each stage of the cancer experience – from diagnosis to treatment decisions and restoration of immune function and health when conventional treatment is complete. Participants receive care from licensed naturopathic physicians, dietitians, acupuncturists, and mind-body counselors, all of whom have advanced oncology training.
This research grant will allow clinical investigators at Bastyr University and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center to follow outcomes of women diagnosed with breast cancer. They will compare the women who received standard treatment alone with those who received standard treatment along with integrative care at Bastyr.
Integrative cancer care is making its way into the most prestigious cancer treatment centers worldwide. The opportunity to thoroughly investigate all the benefits to patients is a great stride for naturopathic medicine. Funding for integrative medicine research and clinical trials has historically been low. This grant is an opportunity to provide patients with more information on the benefits of naturopathic medicine.
For more information:
Integrative Cancer Care in Indiana
Goshen Center for Cancer Care – www.cancer.goshenhealth.org
Cancer Care Partners – www.cancercarepartners.org
Naturopathic Oncology
Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians – www.oncanp.org
Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center (BIORC) – www.bastyr.edu/research/BIORC