International Health Experts to Discuss Advancing the Science & Art of Integrative Oncology at 16th International Conference of Society for Integrative Oncology


More than 400 healthcare professionals, patients and advocates from 35 countries will convene at the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) 16th International Conference, to be held October 19-21, 2019, in New York, NY, to discuss the latest in evidence-based research and clinical practice in person-centered integrative cancer care. This multi-disciplinary forum includes physicians, scientists, researchers, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, naturopaths, acupuncturists, and other complementary care practitioners.

This year’s theme – Advancing the Science & Art of Integrative Oncology – aims to advance the scientific understanding of the role integrative therapies play in cancer care and to promote patient-centered care that recognizes the values, preferences, and rights of patients and families. SIO continues to be a critical hub, advancing the latest evidence-based research, insights, and collaborations of the multidisciplinary teams dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said SIO President Lynda Balneaves, PhD, RN. “The sessions will highlight the collaborative and multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals and patients.”

The conference is presented in cooperation with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Integrative Medicine Program, which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its creation.

Integrative oncology approaches help prevent cancer, facilitate cancer treatment and recovery, and aid in its control through use of diet and complementary therapeutic options, including physical activity, nutritional supplementation, botanical products, mind-body therapies, acupuncture, massage therapy, and more. The options are strategically integrated within conventional medical care models, which often include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and targeted agents informed by genomic and molecular diagnostics.

Today, significant portions of cancer patients use some types of integrative or complementary therapeutic approaches throughout their cancer journey. In addition to conventional therapies, they want to learn about and utilize an integrative approach to personalized comprehensive care. Integrative oncology interventions have been shown to decrease some of the side effects of traditional cancer treatment, allowing many patients to tolerate their full, prescriptive course, thereby improving clinical outcomes and quality of life. Many health consumers also incorporate lifestyle medicine approaches to help prevent the onset of cancer.

About the Society for Integrative Oncology

The Society for Integrative Oncology is the leading worldwide organization dedicated to integrative medicine specific to cancer patients. A non-profit, multi-disciplinary organization founded in 2003, the organization’s mission is to advance evidence-based, comprehensive, integrative healthcare to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. For more information or to register for the conference, visit our conference web site or contact the SIO at 518-694-5543.

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