Naturopathic medicine offers a comprehensive, whole systems-based approach to health care, emphasizing disease prevention and wellness promotion. By integrating traditional wisdom with modern medical science, naturopathic medicine addresses the root causes of illness and supports the body's natural ability to heal. This approach is guided by six core principles: vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature), primum non nocere (first, do no harm), tolle causum (treat the cause), tolle totum (treat the whole person), docere (doctor as teacher) and prevention. These guiding principles are grounded in evidence-based practices and are continuously refined through advancing scientific research.

Becoming a naturopathic doctor (ND) requires completing a rigorous, four-year graduate-level program at an accredited institution recognized by the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) and the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). Admission to these programs involves meeting specific prerequisites, including possession of an undergraduate degree, a minimum GPA, and coursework in foundational sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

The curriculum of a naturopathic medical program is designed to be both comprehensive and practical. During the first two years, students focus on basic medical sciences, while the final two years are dedicated to hands-on clinical training. Students gain expertise in a diverse range of therapies, including physical, environmental, botanical, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, clinical nutrition, minor surgery, and lifestyle counseling, among others. The program emphasizes holistic, non-toxic treatments, disease prevention, and the promotion of overall wellness. Additionally, students receive extensive instruction in clinical diagnostics, laboratory medicine, and diagnostic procedures, completing over 4,100 contact hours of education, including at least 1,200 hours of supervised clinical training.

To practice as licensed naturopathic physicians, graduates must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX). Furthermore, they must meet state or provincial licensing requirements, which often include additional exams. It’s important to note that the scope of practice for naturopathic physicians varies depending on the state or province in which they choose to work.

In 2017, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published a monograph that eloquently defines integrative oncology.

According to the monograph, “Integrative oncology is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatment. Integrative oncology aims to optimize 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” (1).

Naturopathic oncology is an innovative and rapidly growing subdiscipline within naturopathic medicine. Established in 2004, the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP) was created with the mission to advance the philosophy, science, and practice of naturopathic oncology. Its primary objectives include educating the public, ensuring patient safety, promoting research, and fostering collaboration between naturopathic doctors and other healthcare providers. The OncANP also focuses on developing and maintaining standards for naturopathic oncology practice, offering continuing medical education in the field, and standardizing oncology instruction within naturopathic medical institutions.

The OncANP operates through two key branches: the Oncology Academy of Naturopathic Physicians, a membership organization, and the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (ABNO). The ABNO is responsible for awarding the prestigious credential of Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncologists (FABNO) to naturopathic physicians who complete years of rigorous training, meet strict eligibility criteria, and pass a comprehensive board examination.

Naturopathic oncology applies the principles of naturopathic medicine to support people with cancer, focusing on enhancing both survival and quality of life. Patients often hesitate to discuss integrative therapies with their medical oncologists, fearing disapproval or encountering a lack of knowledge about these approaches. Many oncologists either lack expertise in integrative therapies or find themselves short on time to address such discussions. Naturopathic doctors, however, are uniquely positioned as highly trained professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in non-pharmacological therapies. This expertise allows them to integrate seamlessly into oncology care teams, providing patients with evidence-based guidance on safe and effective integrative therapies.

1. Witt CM, Balneaves LG, Cardoso MJ, Cohen L, Greenlee H, Johnstone P, Kücük Ö, Mailman J, Mao JJ. A Comprehensive Definition for Integrative Oncology. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 2017 Nov 1;2017(52). doi: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgx012. PMID: 29140493.

A visit to a naturopathic doctor typically lasts 1-2 hours. During the consultation, a naturopathic doctor takes the time to review the patient’s medical records in detail, including imaging, lab results, pathology reports, medications, supplements, lifestyle, and any current conventional oncology treatments. One of the key aspects of this visit is the time dedicated to understanding the patient as a whole. This involves an in-depth evaluation of lifestyle, habits, and overall well-being to determine the most effective ways to provide support. Together with the patient, the naturopathic doctor creates a tailored treatment plan designed to align with the patient’s unique goals. These goals often focus on minimizing side effects, enhancing overall well-being, and improving quality of life. While conventional oncology care relies on treatments such as surgery, radiation, or medications, naturopathic doctors use a broader spectrum of therapies. These may include lifestyle modifications, supplements, IV therapies, injection therapies, physical modalities like acupuncture or massage, and other holistic approaches.

The internet has revolutionized access to medical and health-related information, offering unlimited and uncensored knowledge at our fingertips. Patients today are more empowered than ever, often conducting their own research to take control of their health decisions. For those facing a serious diagnosis like cancer, the drive to explore every possible option becomes even stronger. This is why many patients turn to integrative therapies to complement their standard treatment. In fact, studies suggest that up to 87% of cancer patients incorporate at least one integrative therapy during their treatment journey (2).

While many natural therapies are readily available for purchase online, it’s crucial to understand that not all of them are appropriate. Some may interfere with conventional treatments or be contraindicated entirely. To ensure safe and effective integration of these therapies, consulting a naturopathic doctor with expertise in cancer care is essential. Practitioners like Dr. Kozin, who have advanced training in integrative cancer care, play a vital role in guiding patients through evidence-based therapeutic options. Naturopathic doctors work collaboratively with the patient’s care team to offer treatments that reduce side effects, improve quality of life, and potentially enhance treatment outcomes. At Alberta Integrative Cancer Care, we are proud to provide therapies designed to support patients in achieving the best possible results from their cancer treatment plan

2. Balneaves LG, Watling CZ, Hayward EN, Ross B, Taylor-Brown J, Porcino A, Truant TLO. Addressing Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Individuals With Cancer: An Integrative Review and Clinical Practice Guideline. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2022 Jan 11;114(1):25-37. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djab048. PMID: 33769512; PMCID: PMC8755493.