Integrative Oncology Care:
How to Combine the Best in Cancer Treatment with a Holistic Approach
By Judah Mahay
At New York Cancer & Blood
Specialists (NYCBS) (www.nycancer.
com), the focus of Conquering
Cancer Together™ is
most evident in their holistic
approach to cancer care. According
to Dr. Chu, by bolstering
and galvanizing a patient’s
spirit, they are able to provide
hope, an essential ingredient to
overcoming cancer.
With equal emphasis on caring
for the mind, body, and spirit,
patients of NYCBS gain not
only the ancillary benefits of a
healthier life, but also a broader
array of treatment options and
better health outcomes. This is
done in part by integrating a
team of experts across a multitude
of fields.
Their nutritionists provide
personalized meal plans that
address anorexia, obesity and
other issues. Specialized supplements
are provided in order
to rebalance essential vitamin
levels. Effective nutritional support
not only mitigates the sideeffects
of chemotherapy; it lowers
the rate of relapsing. Dr. Chu
pointed to these specifi c reasons
for continuing the long-standing
tradition of working with inhouse
nutritionists.
Physical therapy allows individuals
to obtain more treatment
and even prevent recovery delays.
Post-surgery therapy helps
regain dexterity and range of motion.
Therapists offer lymphedema
massage to cancer patients
along with other medical massage
techniques. Their experts
work together with patients to
custom-tailor an exercise plan
to mitigate fatigue, a major sideeffect
of chemotherapy.
Additionally, NYCBS runs
groups and coordinates one-onone
sessions with a psychologist
to support patient mental health.
Sessions are also offered to the
family members of patients.
These services are provided in
close collaboration with each
patient’s care team.
Furthermore, patients also
benefit from a social worker
who also acts as a financial
counselor, helping individuals
navigate the costs of medical
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, F 42 EBRUARY 1-7, 2019 BTR
and supportive care. They assist
with finding charities or
even connect patients with NYCBS’s
in-house charity, NY Cancer
Foundation.
NYCBS’s approach to care differentiates
them from academic
hospitals. Building on this, they
plan to add yoga to the services
they offer and explore the therapeutic
potentials of acupuncture,
Tai-Chi, and Reiki. Ultimately,
they strongly believe
being healthier in mind, body,
and spirit helps patients hold
onto hope, which provides benefits
in all areas of one’s life.
With an eye on the future and a
dedication to community cancer
care, NYCBS is one step closer
to making sure we are Conquering
Cancer Together™.
As a premier cancer treatment center with the most
experienced doctors, we are committed to providing
the best cancer care possible. From state-of-the-art
equipment to cutting edge clinical trials, we are
uniquely capable of caring for New York and beyond.
We are a community and together,we are
NYcancer.com 631-751-3000
/www.ny-cancer.com
/www.ny-cancer.com
/www.ny-cancer.com
/NYcancer.com