How to Talk to Your Oncologist About Integrative Care

Many patients use supplements, special diets, acupuncture, cannabis products, or other complementary approaches without telling their oncology team. Silence can increase risk, especially when herbs or nutrients interact with cancer drugs, anticoagulants, anesthesia, or radiation plans (National Cancer Institute, Cancer Therapy Interactions With Foods and Dietary Supplements, 2024).

Try saying: “I’m interested in supportive integrative care, and I want to do this safely. Can we review the supplements, nutrition strategies, and therapies I’m considering so I can avoid interactions with my treatment?”

Bring product labels, doses, frequency, start dates, and the reason you are taking each item. Include vitamins, herbs, teas, mushrooms, cannabis products, hormones, and over-the-counter medications.

Ask which symptoms are most important to report, which supplements to avoid during treatment windows, whether blood counts or liver enzymes change recommendations, and whether oncology nutrition, rehab, acupuncture, or palliative care referrals would be helpful (Society for Integrative Oncology, Joint SIO–ASCO Clinical Practice Guidelines).

SANAVITA Health provides physician-led integrative oncology education and support with a focus on clarity, safety, whole-person care, and collaboration. The goal is to help patients understand their options, reduce avoidable risk, and build a supportive plan that fits their diagnosis, treatment phase, values, and care team recommendations.