Integrative Oncology Talk

Join us as we spotlight the groundbreaking efforts of the Center for Native American Cancer Health Equity (C-NACHE) in addressing Native American cancer health inequities. Through insightful interviews, we explore the challenges Native communities face when seeking cancer care and the center's initiatives in broadening awareness and amplifying community voices to break down those challenges. C-NACHE is an American Cancer Society-funded grant focused on improving cancer screening rates among Native Americans, increasing education about tribe-specific cancer trends, and addressing disproportionately high exposure to carcinogenic environmental contaminants. Discover why this center was established and its unique strategies to tackle cancer health inequities in Native American communities. Hear firsthand from experts about the transformative impact of their efforts and learn how they amplify community voices to ensure equitable access to cancer care and support services. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on breaking barriers and fostering a future of health equity!

Beena Patel is a cancer survivor, holistic health and wellness coach, Oncology Physician Assistant turned yoga teacher and Reiki Healer. We discuss her inspired journey towards personal healing and transforming the lives of her clients, with stories about healing, attending to our spirits, and empowering people to find their voice and purpose.

Nigeria is an African country with a population of 200 million, yet it has only 90 oncologists, 3-5 radiation machines in service at any given time, and ten cancer-related clinical trials. Furthermore, there is limited cancer screening and little awareness of risk-reduction behaviors. As a result, more than 70% of Nigerians diagnosed with cancer present with late-stage disease; few have access to treatment.

However, a group of young Africans is on a mission to change this paradigm. One of them is today’s podcast guest, Mr. Runcie Chidebe, a psychologist, a doctoral student in gerontology, and the founding executive director of Project PINK BLUE, a cancer nonprofit based in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Mr. Chidebe talks about cultural and ethnic stigma beliefs and their intersection with gender inequity, the impact of a Western lifestyle on Africans’ cancer risk, and why global health disparities are everyone’s problem. Listeners will leave with innovative and actionable steps to dismantle injustice in their communities and our global society.

Harvey Max Chochinov, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba and Senior Scientist at CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, is widely considered one of the most influential and respected palliative care scholars and researchers in the world today. He has authored over three hundred publications, including several groundbreaking books in medicine. His achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being named an Officer in the Order of Canada and an inductee in the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

His newest book, Dignity in Care: The Human Side of Medicine, explores why being a patient is such a difficult pill to swallow and what healthcare providers can do to allow patients to retain their humanity, pride, and feelings of personhood. His book contains a distillation of decades of clinical research, experience, and wisdom. It also introduces a method of patient interaction that combats the often cold and de-humanizing structure of institutionalized healthcare systems.

We speak with Drs. Ana Maria Lopez and Eleanor Walker on Health equity, how it can cause gaps in cancer care, and how we can address it with integrative oncology. Dr. Lopez and Dr. Walker both co-chair the Health Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Task Force of the Society for Integrative Oncology.

Dr. Ana Maria Lopez is Professor and Vice Chair of Medical Oncology Sidney Kimmel Medical College and Chief of Cancer Services at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health, New Jersey. Dr. Lopez has previously been the President-Emeritus of the American College of Physicians, and the former Chair of the Health Equity Committee at ASCO. Dr. Eleanor Walker is the Director of Breast Services in Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Cancer Institute. She has received multiple awards including the University of Notre Dame Distinguished Black Exemplar and 1998 Univ of Notre Dame Sorin Award. She was also featured in 2006 as part of the Who’s Who in Black Detroit.

In this podcast, we discuss the microbiome, how the microbiome has an effect on health, and how changes to the microbiome can effect cancer and responses to therapy. This is a rapidly evolving area of study.

Dr. Jennifer Mcqaude is a Physician Scientist and Assistant Professor in Melanoma Medical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her research focuses on lifestyle factors and their influence on melanoma biology, the anti-tumor immune response, as well as studies of integrative therapies for symptom control in cancer. Dr. McQaude also holds a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which she obtained during her time in China as a Fullbright Fellow.

In this podcast, we discuss the microbiome, how the microbiome has an effect on health, and how changes to the microbiome can effect cancer and responses to therapy. This is a rapidly evolving area of study.

Dr. Jennifer Mcqaude is a Physician Scientist and Assistant Professor in Melanoma Medical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her research focuses on lifestyle factors and their influence on melanoma biology, the anti-tumor immune response, as well as studies of integrative therapies for symptom control in cancer. Dr. McQaude also holds a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which she obtained during her time in China as a Fullbright Fellow.

A conversation about the emerging field of Supportive Oncology with one of the pioneers: The focus of this podcast will be on the intersection integrative oncology and supportive care .The reality: many centres, ours included are seeing integrative oncology/integrative medicine as part of supportive care . As Dr Berman and colleagues lead the way in the UK with the UKASCC and BSIO ( British Society for Integrative oncology) it is of interest to explore these developments and how we build supportive oncology services that seamlessly include integrative medicine and its principles as part of the offerings.

Dr Berman is founder and director of supportive care UK Ltd and supportive and palliative care physician at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. He specialises in the prevention and management of the adverse effects of cancer and cancer treatments, including care for those reaching the last days of their lives. He is also NHS England’s National Clinical Lead for Enhanced Supportive Care – this is a new initiative being rolled out across England, to improve access to supportive care for patients going through cancer treatment at any stage.

Psychedelics are increasingly finding their way into modern medicine but what do we really know about psychedelics and psychedelic research today? What is the potential role they can play in the care of cancer patients? In this podcast I speak to Professor Jerome Saris whose expertise is in the use of integrative medicine in the management of mental health conditions and research into psychedelic medicine. As the co-director of a new research center in Australia. We discuss and give a general overview of the potential mechanism of action of some psychedelic therapies and briefly explore the various approaches to therapy and the potential role in improving the mental and spiritual health of patients living with cancer at all stages of the cancer experience.

Janet Penny is a registered massage therapist who has worked in an integrative practice, with extensive experience working with people with cancer. Rebecca Sturgeon is also a trained massage therapist with oncology experience. She focuses on education now and is the Education Director for Healwell.

In this podcast, we discuss Oncology Massage, the importance of training and coordination of care and some safety concerns. We also discuss their new book, "Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care".