Naturopathic medicine in pediatric oncology setting

Most current surveys suggest that up to 84% patients with childhood cancers seek (CAM) to reduce dose limiting side effects associated with cancer therapy, as adjuvant to conventional medications, improve quality of life, and provide support for coping with the diagnosis of cancer. Upwards of 50%-85% of these patients are under reporting the use of CAM. (Soo Yeon Kim. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 812054.) Families use CAM in conjunction with conventional therapies, with relatively few reports describing the use of CAM in lieu of conventional medicine. Parents and children use CAM for a variety of reasons including: “to try everything possible,” to reduce the stress of illness, improve quality of life, symptom management, and sometimes for a cure. Strides have been made over the past several years in demonstrating the safety and efficacy of several CAM therapies, however, there is still limited data regarding the use of CAM in combination with conventional cancer therapy among children with cancer.

Why CAM for survivors of childhood cancer?

As conventional medicine becomes increasingly effective at treating children with cancer, the challenges of survivorship have become a priority area for research. Studies have estimated that 60-70% of children will have at least one disability as a result of cancer therapy including fatigue, bone density, pain syndromes, and anxiety, and are at increased risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility, and second malignancies (Oeffinger, CA Cancer J Clin 2004; 54:208-36). Survivors of childhood cancer report the use of CAM to reduce risk of relapse, cope with late effects from cancer therapy, or reduce their risk of developing a late effect.

We have yet to see the research investigating the efficacy of CAM among survivors of childhood cancer, however, CAM as a component of a healthy lifestyle may provide support to survivors in coping with many of the late effects of cancer therapy. Several studies demonstrate the safety and efficacy of CAM use for prevention and co-management of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological developmental conditions and osteoporosis. Potential CAM therapies that may be of specific benefit to survivors of childhood cancer include nutritional counseling and some biological supplements as they may have a role in the survivor population. With many supplements there is less of a concern for interactions with conventional medications. Yoga and meditation, which may help with coping with the anxiety of cancer recurrence, disturbances in balance or gait, or as an aid to maintain a healthy weight and bones. Acupuncture may also provide relief to patients who are challenged with fatigue, recurrent pain, infertility or those experiencing disturbances in hormone balance.

 Palliative care

Conventional therapy alone has not eliminated pain and suffering at the end of a child’s life. Providing optimal palliative care for children with advancing cancer may include the incorporation of CAM modalities into the care of the child suffering with unresponsive cancer. Massage, Reiki, and breathing techniques have shown to help comfort children with cancer at the end of life.

I am fired up right now, how are you feeling about the nutrition in your kid’s school?

At my daughters school we have just launched a Health Committee that is dedicated to changing the way our children think about health and nutrition. As, parents (elders) it is our responsibility to pave the way for a bright future. As many Native Americans cultures see it, to paraphrase, we are borrowing the earth from our children’s children. While we cannot change the ways of the world that we grew up in we can certainly change that of our future.

I propose we start with nutrition, the food you choose has a tremendous impact on air quality, chemical usage and exposures, animal, plant and soil health, the future of disease and health care coast, community and tradition.

Our Mission: Provide a quality-learning atmosphere that empowers students through community and environmental health! 

Currently, our nation’s children face some very serious health issues:

• ¼ of children ages 5 to 10 years show early warning signs for heart disease.
• Type-2 diabetes can no longer be called “adult onset” because of rising rates in children under the age of 15.
• Obesity rates have doubled in children in the last decade.
• Diet quality is directly associated with academic performance.

Better school food must be provided to every school-age child. Whole foods and fresh fruits and vegetables are necessary to build and sustain healthy bodies and brains, which support strong physical and mental health. Unhealthy ingredients must be permanently removed from our schools and the daily diets of our children in order to reverse the damage already done. The resources spent treating chronic diseases strain our health care system and our pockets. We can pay now, or pay later.

Our little health committee plans to implement healthy food tips, activities, and events on a regular basis. Our first Health Fair was a huge success and we are thrilled to have the support of our community!

I ask you, what are you doing to improve your child’s nutrition?

Here are 5 steps that you can take immediately to support your child’s health and academic performance!

• Pack your child’s lunch.
• Eliminate high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated fats and oils.
• Serve 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies per day.
• Pay attention to portions.
• Model healthy eating and discuss choosing high quality food.