Integrative Oncology Services & Therapies Offered at UH
University Hospitals Offers an Integrated Approach to Cancer
University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and University Hospitals Connor Whole Health collaborate to offer integrative oncology – an evidence-based approach that utilizes complementary therapies, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques to enhance your cancer care. Integrative oncology empowers individuals to take an active role in their healing, while we collaborate with your other healthcare providers to create a personalized, holistic approach tailored to your unique needs.
The Integrative Oncology team works closely with the UH Connor Whole Health locations in Beachwood, Parma and Westlake. To schedule a visit in the Integrative Oncology program, please call 216-285-8996.
Integrative Oncology Consultations
An integrative oncology consultation is an initial visit where we assess your needs and create a comprehensive care plan. Integrative oncology providers work with you and your other healthcare providers to support your cancer journey through lifestyle changes and supportive therapies.
In your initial meeting, we assess your needs, focusing on diet, physical activity, stress, sleep, spirituality, and the use of natural supplements and complementary therapies. The meeting includes:
- A review of your health history, current health concerns and goals of care.
- A discussion about lifestyle habits – nutrition, movement, sleep, stress and social connection.
- Creating your evidence-based, personalized integrative health plan: Tailored to your individual needs, your plan will utilize services within the UH system and in the community.
- Coordinating timing of care with other providers and the judicious use of complementary therapies; referral to services within Connor Whole Health and University Hospitals is provided as needed.
- Scheduling follow-up visits to optimize your health.
Cancer Wellness Program: Lifestyle Medicine for Cancer Prevention
Our virtual, 4-week Lifestyle Medicine for Cancer Prevention Program utilizes shared medical visits to foster community and support lifestyle changes aimed to help:
- Prevent cancer.
- Prevent the recurrence of cancer.
- Assist recovery after cancer treatment.
Integrative Oncology Symptom Management Clinic
Patients at any stage of their cancer journey have access to our Symptom Management Clinic. After an initial consultation with a provider, you receive individualized recommendations for integrative therapies to help manage common symptoms such as pain, fatigue, neuropathy, depression, anxiety, insomnia and more.
The Symptom Management Clinic includes acupuncture, massage, Reiki and other therapies offered at locations in Beachwood and Westlake. Please note that we do not offer alternative treatments to oncology care outside of the guidelines and recommendations of your oncologist.
Stress Management
Stress management is a key component of well-being for those affected by cancer and can take many forms. We offer group programs, virtual therapies, movement classes and expressive therapies to meet the needs of all patients.
Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy differs from a typical yoga class in that sessions are one-on-one with a trained yoga therapist. During your session, your yoga therapist will guide you through a unique and individualized practice designed to address your personal goals and concerns. Your yoga therapist may use several of the therapeutic aspects of yoga – including movement, breath work, guided imagery and meditation – to address your main concerns. Your therapist will also discuss lifestyle changes to promote a path to healing.
During your initial consultation, your concerns and goals will be discussed, you will have a physical yoga assessment, and we will develop your yoga plan. Follow-up sessions will serve as the personalized building blocks in reaching your goals. The service is self-pay.
Ongoing on Mondays, we offer a free group yoga class at our Westlake location for women with breast cancer who have had a mastectomy or radiation treatment. Learn more about the class and register online.
Inpatient Seidman Cancer Center Integrative Oncology Program
The Inpatient Seidman Cancer Center Integrative Oncology Program provides integrative therapy support for the physical, mental and spiritual health of patients admitted at UH Seidman Cancer Center. Please ask the inpatient team for support from our program.
Spending time inpatient for cancer care can be difficult, and supportive therapies may help improve quality of life both mentally and physically. Therapies offered through the Inpatient Integrative Oncology program include:
Featured Services
Art Therapy
Art therapy uses art to help with coping and self-expression. Our therapists can work with both you and your family.
Music Therapy
Music therapy uses music to support emotional, mental and physical health. You do not need training in music to benefit. Our therapists can work with you and your family.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices help you become aware of the present moment. This promotes relaxation and resilience.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles at strategic points on the body to help create positive change.
Reiki
Reiki, pronounced /ray-kee/, is rooted in traditional Eastern medicine. It uses the gentle laying of hands to reduce stress and promote deep relaxation. It is gentle yet powerful. People who receive Reiki often report a feeling of peace, calm or well-being.
Movement
Gentle bodywork uses exercise to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit. Examples include Qigong, breathing techniques and stretching.
Massage and Acupressure
Massage therapy can provide cancer patients with stress relief and help manage pain.
Pet Therapy
Pet therapy can help reduce stress and improve well-being in people living with cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why integrative oncology?
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We believe that comprehensive cancer care treats the whole person. Integrative oncology at University Hospitals offers cancer patients evidence-based integrative therapies, lifestyle recommendations and stress management techniques as part of a whole health approach.
- What integrative services are offered?
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In conjunction with UH Connor Whole Health and UH Seidman Cancer Center, we offer art and music therapy, lifestyle programming (including the REVIVE Oncology Exercise and Wellness program), massage therapy, pet therapy, a Symptom Management Clinic and more.
- How is integrative oncology different from palliative care?
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Palliative care focuses on relieving pain, symptoms and stress. Integrative oncology uses holistic therapies to help manage symptoms, prevent recurrence and complement conventional treatment.
- What UH locations offer integrative oncology?
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We offer integrative oncology consultations at UH Connor Whole Health Beachwood (Beachwood, Ohio), UH Connor Whole Health Westlake (Westlake, Ohio) and virtually. The Symptom Management Clinic operates at UH Connor Whole Health Beachwood and UH Connor Whole Health Westlake.
- How can I schedule an appointment?
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Call 216-285-8996 to schedule an appointment.
Meet the Team
Medical Providers
Acupuncturists
Massage
Music and Art Therapy
- Angelique Foss, LPMT, MS, MT-BC
- Hope Ezell, LPMT, MT-BC (inpatient)
- Anna Bekavac, LPMT, MT-BC (inpatient)