Integrative Oncology Helps Survivors, Patients Live Better  

When facing a cancer diagnosis, many patients ask, “Can I take this supplement?”

But according to Anna Bausum, ND, FABNO, a licensed naturopathic doctor serving as an Integrative Oncology Specialist at Emory Healthcare, that’s just one piece of a much larger picture.  

“Like constructing a house, we need to make sure the foundation is solid before we start adding to it,” she explains to patients during a consult. “Supplements or natural products are like the roof to your house—you wouldn’t put on a new roof if the structure underneath wasn’t prepared.”  

Bausum provides integrative oncology consultations at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, where she helps patients build that solid foundation. Through Winship’s Integrative Oncology and Survivorship Program, patients receive personalized, evidence-informed support to complement their standard cancer treatments for symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Integrative oncology blends conventional cancer care with complementary approaches that support the whole person—body, mind and spirit. These services are offered before, during and after treatment to help patients feel better, recover more smoothly and enhance overall well-being.  

“At its core, integrative oncology is common-sense, individualized care,” Bausum says. “We focus on practical, foundational tools—like diet, movement, sleep and stress management—things people can often start doing for themselves at home, for free.”  

Patients might seek help with symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, anxiety or hot flashes. Bausum creates tailored care plans that prioritize each individual’s goals. “If someone is struggling with libido, for example, we often must start by addressing sleep, mood or hot flashes. These issues are connected, and we need to build support step by step.”  

Integrative oncology is not a replacement for standard treatments like chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Instead, it enhances those therapies by helping reduce side effects and supporting recovery. It can also empower patients to actively participate in their care, which has been shown to improve treatment adherence and outcomes.  

“You’re more likely to make it to treatment and tolerate it better if your overall well-being is supported,” Bausum explains. “And that’s what this program is designed to do.”  

Urologic oncologist and director of the Integrative Oncology and Survivorship program, Viraj Master, MD, PhD, is leading the way with a clear goal. He says, “I have become increasingly aware over the years that conventional cancer treatments are only part of the healing that the patient needs.” He points out that the goals of integrative oncology are to complement and optimize current cancer treatments, improve quality of life, lessen side effects and support healing—while also helping to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.”

At Winship, patients can be referred to integrative oncology by their clinician. The team then works collaboratively to ensure that any complementary therapies—such as acupuncture, integrative oncology consultations, group education, mindfulness or similar strategies—are appropriate, evidence-based and aligned with the patient’s medical treatment plan.  

Supplement use is one of the most common topics raised in these visits. “After a cancer diagnosis, supplement use can skyrocket,” Bausum says. “We estimate that 50%—80% of patients use some form of integrative care.” But without proper guidance, some choices can pose risks.  

That’s where expert oversight is crucial. “If your immune system is suppressed from chemotherapy with a low white blood cell count, taking probiotics might actually be dangerous,” Bausum explains. “Or if you’re taking CBD and your liver enzymes start to rise, that could affect how your chemotherapy is metabolized.”  

Her advice? Always communicate openly with your oncology team. “When we know what patients are using, we can help make sure those choices are safe and beneficial.” 

Bausum uses a garden analogy to describe the cancer experience. “Surgery removes the weed. Chemotherapy is like a weed killer. Radiation is like burning out that weed. But integrative oncology looks at the soil. Are we creating the healthiest environment possible to support recovery and reduce the chances of weeds coming back and support healthy plants growing in that garden bed.”  

“This soil—your body’s internal environment—matters,” Bausum says. “Nurturing it means paying attention to everything from nutrition and stress to sleep and movement.” 

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For patients navigating cancer, integrative oncology provides a path to feeling better and living well throughout their experience. It's not about choosing between conventional medicine and complementary care—it's about bringing them together, thoughtfully and safely, in support of the whole person.  

Winship’s Integrative Oncology services are located on the first floor of Winship Cancer Institute’s Building C on the Clifton campus and on the second floor of Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown. Learn more about the services or request a consultation with an integrative oncology specialist by calling 404-778-0600.