Integrative oncology - collaboration and empowerment with Dr Penny Kechagioglou
In episode 4 of the Synthesis Clinic podcast Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel and Dr Penny Kechagioglou discuss integrative oncology, which seeks to rationally combine the best of conventional, nutritional, lifestyle and evidence-informed complementary medicine to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. Integrative oncology aims to support better quality of life, improve resilience, minimise the side effects of treatment and improve clinical outcomes.
About Dr Penny Kechagioglou:
Dr Penny Kechagioglou is a senior Consultant Clinical Oncologist in the NHS and private sector, specialising in breast cancer, and she integrates the latest evidence-based medicine with lifestyle and complementary approaches to cancer care. Dr Kechagioglou holds senior leadership roles in the NHS. She was the 2021-2023 Co-Chair of the British Society for Integrative Oncology and is a Board Trustee member at CoppaFeel UK.
About Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel:
Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is an Oxbridge-trained medical doctor and scientist with over a decade’s experience in integrative health and in-depth additional training in nutrition, integrative and herbal medicine, yoga, mindfulness and other modalities. Dr Nina is a Fellow of the College of Medicine and the 2021-2023 Co-Chair of BSIO, specialising in complex multisystem women's health cases and integrative cancer care with a particular interest in precision integrative oncology. Dr Nina is the Director of Synthesis Clinic, combining her clinical work with education for healthcare professionals and participating in national and international expert panels in cancer care.
Further information and resources:
Integrative oncology care impact - recent studies:
Breast cancer - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34961816/
Gynaecological cancer - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33404816/
Blog by Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel for the Oncio app, co-founded with Dr Penny Kechagioglou in 2023:
Professional organisations in integrative oncology
BSIO (British Society for Integrative Oncology) - https://www.bsio.org.uk/
SIO (Society for Integrative Oncology) - https://integrativeonc.org/
Selection of integrative oncology guidelines:
SIO integrative oncology guidelines
Charities:
Yes To Life - https://yestolife.org.uk/
Penny Brohn UK - https://www.pennybrohn.org.uk
To find out more about Synthesis Clinic, our philosophy and our multidisciplinary integrative oncology team, please click here. You can also learn more about our approach in this integrative cancer care overview and FAQ document.
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