Integrative Oncology
“Integrative oncology is a patient-centred, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilises mind and body practices, natural products and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions, alongside conventional cancer treatments. Integrative oncology aims to optimise health, quality of life and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during and beyond cancer treatment.”
— Witt et al., (2017). A Comprehensive Definition for Integrative Oncology. PMID 24857081
Integrative Oncology Nutrition
Navigating life after a cancer diagnosis is a unique journey, and the nutritional needs of survivors require specialised care. As an Integrative Oncology Nutritionist, I combine my expertise in clinical nutrition with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by cancer patients and survivors. I offer a holistic approach to help you reclaim your health, rebuild your energy, and optimise your quality of life.
Why Integrative Oncology Nutrition?
Cancer treatment can take a heavy toll on the body, often leading to side effects such as weight gain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and fatigue. Traditional treatments alone may not address these lingering effects, which is where nutrition and lifestyle interventions can make a profound difference.
As an integrative oncology nutritionist, I work alongside your medical team, including your GP and oncologists, to create a personalised nutrition plan that supports your healing, restores balance, and enhances wellbeing. By focusing on the whole person, I aim to optimise your health through:
Tailored Nutrition Plans: Designed to manage weight gain, fatigue, digestive issues, and improve overall health.
Bespoke Nutrient Compounding: Customised supplements to support immune health, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery.
Lifestyle Strategies: Stress management, exercise, and sleep optimisation to complement your treatment and recovery process.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in active treatment, or in remission, I offer continuous support and guidance to optimise your health during every stage of your cancer journey.
My Approach:
I am committed to merging the best of Western medicine with traditional complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) principles. I use a whole-body approach to oncology care, meaning I look beyond just the symptoms and address the root causes of health concerns. This includes:
Collaborative Care: I work closely with your doctors and other health professionals to ensure a fully integrated approach to your care.
Scientific Foundation: I base my recommendations on the latest scientific research and clinical evidence to ensure safe, effective outcomes.
Personalised Plans: Everyone’s journey is unique, so I provide tailored, flexible nutrition strategies that adapt to your evolving needs.
Why Choose Me?
With a strong foundation in women's health and a specialised focus on oncology nutrition, I offer more than just a diet plan. I offer a comprehensive approach that empowers you to take control of your health.
Additionally, as someone who has personally walked beside a family member with metastatic cancer, I bring a compassionate, empathetic perspective to my work. My personal experience ensures that I approach each client with deep care and understanding.
Start Your Journey to Better Health Today
If you’re ready to take charge of your health and feel supported throughout your cancer journey, I’m here to help. I offer online consultations for convenience, so you can access my services from anywhere in Australia, but can also be found in clinic in Parramatta, NSW.
Reach out today to learn more about how integrative oncology nutrition can improve your health and wellbeing during and after cancer treatment.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between integrative oncology and alternative medicine?
Integrative oncology combines evidence-based complementary therapies alongside conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and surgery. The goal is to support your body, improve quality of life, and reduce treatment side effects while maintaining safety.
Alternative medicine, on the other hand, is used instead of conventional treatment and is not recommended. Many alternative approaches lack scientific evidence and may delay or interfere with effective care.
Will complementary therapies interfere with my chemotherapy or radiation?
This is one of the most important safety questions. While many nutritional and lifestyle therapies are safe, some supplements, herbs, and high-dose antioxidants may interfere with cancer treatments or increase side effects.
Working with a qualified practitioner trained in oncology nutrition helps ensure that any support plan is tailored to your treatment, timing, and individual health needs.
How can integrative oncology help reduce treatment side effects?
Integrative approaches focus on supporting the whole person during treatment. Evidence-based strategies may help manage:
• Cancer-related fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain and inflammation
• Neuropathy
• Digestive changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety and emotional distress
The aim is not only symptom relief, but also maintaining strength, resilience, and treatment tolerance.
Should I tell my oncologist about the supplements I am taking?
Yes, always. Open communication between your healthcare providers is essential for safe, coordinated care. Many patients are surprised to learn that even common supplements can interact with medications or affect treatment outcomes.
A collaborative approach between your healthcare providers ensures your oncology team is informed and your care remains aligned.
What dietary changes should I make during and after cancer treatment?
Nutrition recommendations should always be personalised. Many people hear conflicting advice about sugar, ketogenic diets, or “anti-cancer” foods. In reality, most cancer survivors benefit from a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern, rich in:
• Vegetables and fruits
• Whole grains
• Healthy fats such as olive oil
• Lean protein
• Legumes and nuts
The focus is on long-term metabolic health, inflammation reduction, and sustainable eating, not restrictive or extreme diets.
Does ‘natural’ mean safe?
No. Natural does not automatically mean safe or appropriate during cancer treatment. Some herbal supplements can be toxic, affect liver function, or interfere with chemotherapy, targeted therapies or radiation.
Quality, dosage, and timing are critical. Professional guidance helps ensure therapies are both safe and effective.
Can integrative oncology be used during active cancer treatment?
Yes. Integrative oncology is designed to support you before, during, and after treatment. The focus during active treatment is on improving quality of life, reducing side effects, maintaining strength and nutritional status and supporting treatment tolerance and recovery.
This may include personalised nutrition, fatigue and symptom management, gut and immune support, stress reduction and safe lifestyle strategies. All recommendations are tailored to your specific diagnosis, treatment plan and stage of care to ensure safety and alignment with your oncology team.
Do you work with my oncologist and GP?
Absolutely. Collaboration is a core part of integrative oncology. With your consent, I work alongside your oncologist, GP and other health professionals to ensure your care is safe, coordinated, and evidence-based.
This approach helps avoid supplement or medication interactions, supports shared decision-making, and ensures that everyone involved in your care is aligned with your goals and treatment plan. Many patients find this integrated model provides reassurance and clarity during a complex and often overwhelming time.
Do I need supplements, or can food be enough?
Food is always the foundation of care. A personalised, nutrient-dense dietary pattern is the most important step for supporting recovery, metabolic health, and long-term wellbeing.
However, in some situations, such as treatment-related nutrient deficiencies, poor appetite, digestive issues, or increased physiological demands, targeted supplementation may be beneficial. The key is strategic, individualised prescribing, rather than taking multiple products without clear clinical reasoning.
The goal is to use the lowest effective dose, for the right duration, and only when there is a clear benefit.