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Navigating cancer as a patient undergoing treatment or as a survivor who may be facing side effects is not an easy feat.  A cancer diagnosis is difficult for all parties involved both emotionally and physically.

Standard cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are difficult on a patient’s body. Patients may even experience depression and exhaustion.  Integrated oncology encompasses therapies designed to complement conventional medicine. A patient’s body, mind and spirit are cared for by addressing the seven pillars of health – sleep, resilience, purpose, environment, spirituality, nutrition and exercise.

Integrative cancer therapies help patients build the mental and physical strength needed as they fight the disease.  Research has also proven by treating the whole patient holistically, their overall health and well-being can be improved.

The goal is to reduce side effects of conventional treatment, improve cancer symptoms and enhance emotional health, improve quality of life and perhaps enhance the effect of conventional treatments.

Ochsner Cancer Institute’s integrative oncology services include nutrition, acupuncture, psychology including addressing PTSD, physical therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, sexual wellness, meditation, yoga and cancer survivorship boot camp. New services on the horizon include mindfulness training, music therapy, massage therapy and art therapy.

The integrative oncology program is currently offered at The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans and on the Northshore, the newly opened St. Tammany Cancer Center, A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center.

If you would like more information about the integrative oncology program, please visit Ochsner.org/services/integrative-oncology

 

Elizabeth Lapeyre, MD is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. She is board certified in integrative medicine. After completing her undergraduate education at the University of Virginia, Dr. Lapeyre obtained her medical degree at Tulane Medical School in New Orleans. She went on to complete her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Ochsner Health in 2003. She participated in an integrative medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona. Dr. Lapeyre has been on the faculty at Ochsner since 2003 and served as both the Associate Program Director and the Program Director for the OB/GYN Residency Training Program. Dr. Lapeyre also serves as medical director of both the Ochsner Baptist Women’s Wellness and Survivorship Center and the Ochsner Cancer Institute’s Integrative Oncology Program. To schedule an appointment with her, please visit www.ochsner.org or call 504-703-8721.