Whole-Person Cancer Care Regardless of Income

Overview:

Every three minutes, a Canadian is diagnosed with cancer. Recent StatsCan data tell us that 45% of men and 40% of all women will develop cancer in their lifetimes. In the Ottawa region alone, over 5,200 people are diagnosed with cancer annually. Wanting to implement every measure to overcome this disease, the majority (~ 80%) of people turn to complementary and integrative therapies to regain some control and improve their quality of life.

 This type of care has yet to be found under one roof in eastern Canada, and not everyone can afford this care.

 We are asking for $100,000 from the Aviva Community Fund to help provide whole-person individualized care free to hundreds of cancer patients in the Ottawa Region who cannot afford it. This amount will be matched by equal contributions from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation (ORCF) to make the clinic operational in 2011. The $300,000 in funds will go to creating the Canadian Centre for Integrative and Environmental Oncology and providing low-cost care to those who can't afford it. Cancer therapies the centre will provide with evidence for prevention, improving quality of life, and prevention of recurrence include:
 - nutritional medicine and the use of targeted natural health products - exercise, physiotherapy, and massage therapy - acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine - mind-body medicine, yoga, and meditation - education and decision making support for other complementary medicines _"A diagnosis of cancer was for me, a much greater blow psychologically than it was physically. It was the naturopathic care that restored my footing, strengthened my gait and eased my spirit. This care was crucial in setting me on the path to recovery and a healthy future." Lori Harrop_
 One of the primary goals of this program is to empower cancer patients to take greater control of their life in areas that can impact health and prevent cancer recurrence. Emphasis is placed on what patients can do for themselves.

 Our naturopathic doctors and health care practitioners specialize in cancer care. The principle of do no harm will be paramount while also engaging the body’s own best defenses against the ravages of the disease without interfering with conventional therapies.

 _"The traditional cancer treatment path can be extremely difficult both physically and emotionally. The naturopathic care I received was a vital part of my recovery.” Pat Durr_ 

We all know and love someone touched by cancer. With your support we aim to accelerate needed change in our healthcare system to include an integrative and whole-person model of cancer care. The development of this program will greatly impact the lives of cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

 We will continue to remain strongly engaged in clinical trial and synthesis research on complementary cancer therapies in conjunction with the Ottawa Hospital and other institutions. We will apply what has been learned in the world of integrative oncology to help patients better cope with and fight this disease.

 Success of this initiative will allow us to open our doors in 2011 and begin the creation of a lasting program delivered to those who would not otherwise have the option. If you are interested in learning more and/or becoming involved, please contact syoung@ccnm.edu. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!