Cancer care today is evolving—and for good reason. More patients and providers are recognizing the value of a comprehensive, integrative approach that looks beyond the disease itself and focuses on the whole person. While conventional medicine leads the charge in diagnosing and treating cancer through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, naturopathic doctors (NDs) bring critical support that spans prevention, active treatment, and recovery. Here’s a closer look at the multifaceted role naturopathic doctors play in the cancer journey:

1. Supporting Cancer Prevention Through Personalized Care

Prevention is one of the most powerful—and often underutilized—tools in the fight against cancer. Naturopathic doctors focus on identifying and addressing risk factors long before a diagnosis occurs. Using in-depth intake, functional lab testing, and detailed lifestyle assessment, NDs help patients understand their unique risk profile and take action through:
  • Nutritional interventions and anti-inflammatory diets
  • Hormonal and metabolic balancing
  • Gut health and microbiome support
  • Stress reduction, movement, and sleep optimization
  • Natural supplementation based on individual needs
This proactive approach is especially valuable for individuals with family history or known genetic predispositions. By focusing on terrain-based medicine—the internal environment in which cancer may or may not develop—NDs support resilience and long-term health.

2. Helping Patients Navigate Treatment with Greater Strength

The physical and emotional demands of cancer treatment are intense. Naturopathic support during active therapy is designed to help patients stay strong, manage side effects, and maintain quality of life while undergoing conventional care. This might include:
  • Nutritional support to manage nausea, appetite loss, and fatigue
  • Safe, evidence-informed supplement strategies to minimize side effects
  • Botanical and adaptogenic support for energy and immune balance
  • Support for anxiety, sleep, and emotional well-being
NDs are trained to work collaboratively with oncologists to ensure treatments are complementary and non-interfering. Their goal is not to replace standard care but to increase a patient’s capacity to tolerate it—and recover well from it.

3. Preparing the Body for Surgery and Enhancing Recovery

For many cancer patients, surgery is a major part of the treatment plan. The body’s ability to heal from that surgery can greatly affect outcomes. Naturopathic doctors play a key role in prehabilitation (pre-surgical support) and recovery by:
  • Addressing nutrient deficiencies that impact healing
  • Supporting liver detoxification and reducing inflammation
  • Enhancing circulation, immunity, and tissue repair
  • Guiding post-operative nutrition and supplement strategies
Simple interventions—like targeted amino acids, sleep optimization, and wound-healing nutrients—can make a meaningful difference in how patients recover and regain strength.

An Integrative Model in Practice

The best cancer care happens when patients are supported from all angles. At Restoration Healthcare in Troy, Michigan, that kind of integrative collaboration is at the heart of the clinical model. There, naturopathic doctor Dr. Michelle Walter, ND, works alongside surgeons and oncologists like Dr. Linsey P. Gold, DO, FACOS, FACS, and Dr. Eric Brown, MD, FACS. Together, they ensure patients not only receive advanced conventional treatments, but also whole-person support that respects the complex and deeply personal nature of cancer care. This collaborative model reflects a growing recognition in medicine: patients benefit when we treat the whole person—not just the diagnosis. 70% of cancer patients reported using complementary or alternative medicine as part of their cancer care. (Source: Cancer Therapy Advisor) 79% of U.S. cancer survivors reported using vitamins, minerals, or at least one form of CAM in the past year. (Source: PMC/NLM) Patients today are seeking holistic support for symptom management, emotional well-being, and empowerment. The goal of offering integrative options within our practice is to strengthen our patient relationships and reinforce our role as your trusted providers for all of your cancer care and support.

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