Increasing Body of Evidence Demonstrates Integrative Care is Effective October 1, 2008 — Integrated cancer care is the future of breast cancer treatment, says Dr. Teresa Clarke, Director of Clinical Services. "In addition to conventional cancer treatment, integrated cancer care emphasizes placing the patient at the centre of a mind, body, spirit approach to health and healing. This comprehensive, whole-person approach is empowering, cost-effective and part of the core philosophy at InspireHealth," says Dr. Clarke. A growing body of international research is confirming that this integrative approach is the future of cancer care and prevention. Research shows that among breast cancer patients, an overall healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help to reduce cancer recurrence and improve survival. Vitamin D levels at the time of diagnosis also correlate with survival. Likewise, exercise has been shown to improve survival, reduce fatigue, and enhance quality of life. Practicing relaxation techniques can help to reduce nausea and vomiting in women undergoing chemotherapy as well as help to control hot flashes. According to Dr. Clarke, there is no doubt that patient and physician interest in integrated cancer care is growing in Canada. Mounting evidence suggests that the integrative support of health of cancer patients is as important as conventional treatments in both prevention and healing. "Never before has integrative oncology and the notion of integrating wellness and cancer care been so well accepted within the conventional medical field," Dr. Clarke states. "In fact, every Canadian medical school has begun to implement integrative medicine studies into their curriculum." InspireHealth's medical doctors witness that when breast cancer patients take responsibility for their own health while undergoing conventional cancer treatments by eating healthfully, exercising and reducing stress, they improve their quality of life and can decrease risk of recurrence and increase survival rates. Unfortunately, integrative cancer care information and support is not currently part of mainstream care. As recent research shows, only five per cent of North American cancer survivors are meeting experts' minimum recommendations on diet, physical activity and quitting smoking. This is a serious concern, primarily because there is clear evidence that prevention and integrative cancer care approaches save and prolong lives. "We know that conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation play important roles in breast cancer treatment, but expanding our cancer care system to include prevention, and prevention of recurrence can save even more lives and significant health care dollars," says Dr. Clarke. Research is a key component of the integrative approach at InspireHealth. Physicians draw upon a database of over 2,800 research citations to optimally support their patient's needs. InspireHealth's Research Updates, a summary of the highest quality, most relevant integrative research articles published each month, is sent free-of-charge to anyone interested in newly published research articles in integrative cancer care. Research Updates currently has over 600 subscribers, including patients, researchers and physicians from around the world. These up-to-date information tools provide easy access to current research and help physicians, patients and their families make informed decisions about care. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, InspireHealth is pleased to release a free Special Breast Cancer Edition of the Research Updates, funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC / Yukon Region. This Special Breast Cancer Edition of InspireHealth's Research Updates will be available free-of-charge on-line at http://inspirehealth.ca/research/update and click on the Special breast cancer edition. For more information about the Run, please visit www.cbcf.org.