By: Jean Johnson for Medtech1The larger Portland-Seattle community supports two naturopath universities, a chiropractic college, a school of oriental medicine, several major massage schools, and of course is known for its Birkenstock-shod ‘granola types.’ Perhaps it’s not surprising then, that Portland’s Providence Health System has risked funding a program designed to bring the best of both the conventional and alternative worlds of medicine to cancer patients.
| Learn More |
Five Food Taboos When Eating Healthy
A physician who treats cancer patients suggests avoiding these foods:
1. Hydrogenated oil
2. Processed sugars
3.White flour
4. Fried foods
5. All fake foods like artificial sweeteners and non-fat concoctions |
Initiated in 2002, the Integrative Medicine Program at the Providence Cancer Center has been gearing up this year, as increasing numbers of patients book consultations with program staff. “We’re not aware of very many programs like this in the United States,” said Miles Hassell, M.D., medical director for the program. “There is one at another teaching hospital here in Portland, Oregon Health Sciences University, but we are one among the few at this point.”
“The initial impetus for the program came from patients and families dealing with cancer who said ‘Look, there are all unconventional these things we’re doing that are out there, and we really need a reliable source of information from within the system,’” said Hassell. “When you have your life on the line, you want to make sure you’re using every modality available. So what we’ve done is bring together all kinds of unrelated disciplines together—things like acupuncture, massage, nutrition, and exercise among others. Our approach is to be sane, responsible, and reasonable. To have our mind open, but not so open that our brains fall out. We aim to be truly integrative and not in opposition to conventional medicine.”
Currently the program incorporates clinical naturopathy options that have reasonably good evidence of helping reduce problems associated with cancer. Hassell says the work relies on nutritional approaches to a large extent, nutritional supplements to a smaller degree, fairly aggressive incorporation of daily exercise, acupuncture by two naturopathic physicians who have joined the team, and cancer-specific massage from therapists with post-graduate training in the field.
When it comes to changing the way people eat, Hassell said “the patient community has been very receptive. We make specific recommendations with handouts on how to substitute A for B. We also have cooking classes with chefs experienced in working with whole foods.”
With 30 to 80 percent of cancers linked to lifestyle, diet, and exercise, Hassell thinks the investment will pay off. “Multiple studies have shown a 50 to 70 percent reduction in cancers in people who eat Mediterranean diets and get exercise. Also, others show that breast cancer patients who exercise have a 50 percent reduction in death, and that if they alter their diets as well there is a reduced risk of a return of the cancer once it is treated.”
As far as food goes, Hassell said “I have a list of five no-nos. That makes it easy because once you dispense with those, the discussion moves on to all the good food there is out there to eat.”
The physician’s taboos run as follows: Say no to hydrogenated oil, processed sugars, white flour, fried foods, except the rare special treats people make at home, all fake foods like artificial sweeteners and non-fat concoctions.
Then, as Hassell notes, get on to scrumptious fare like luscious cherry tomatoes in season with basil from the garden and petite rounds of fresh mozzarella, the whole drizzled over with virgin olive oil and spiked with a shot of red wine vinegar.
“Basically the gist is whole grains, fruits, vegetables, reduced animal proteins and synthetic fats. We also use certain targeted foods that seem to have reasonable data, like flax seeds and green tea. You want the food to be fun,” said Hassell. “Life is short.”
In addition to sound nutrition and some form of exercise daily, Providence’s Integrative Medicine Program is accumulating data on the effects of massage therapy on cancer-associated pain, anxiety, sleep, nausea and vomiting. “Our work falls on the heels of another study at Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center that showed dramatic 60 percent reductions in pain and anxiety with massage earlier this year.”
So put on your Birkenstocks and cruise to P-town if it’s pro-active, holistic cancer care you’re after. As Hassell’s remarks indicate, having all the options under one roof complete with a physician willing to make recommendations goes a long way in helping people with cancer help themselves.
