[The role of integrative oncology in (post-curative) survivorship care].

Abstract

Introduction: The number of cancer survivors - people who have overcome cancer or are living with the disease - is steadily increasing thanks to improved diagnostics and treatment. Studies indicate that many cancer survivors show good functional and quality of life scores in the long term, but comparisons with reference data show that cancer survivors still experience significant physical, psychological, and social impairments compared to the general population, even years after treatment. Cancer survivorship care focuses on developing care services for this issue, which has not been sufficiently addressed to date. Integrative oncology can offer a substantial contribution in the improvement the situation, particularly in light of the combination of evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional treatments, with the goal of enhancing well-being and quality of life, as well as active self-management (including nutrition and exercise in secondary prevention). Common problems experienced by cancer survivors, such as cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders associated with cancer, and chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy, can be reduced and the quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors improved by integrating IO therapy concepts. Interventions from all core disciplines of IO can be used in many areas of survivorship care in a complementary, collaborative, and transparent manner alongside conventional medical treatments.