CANCERTALK Robin Daly

Professor Eran Ben-Arye has been in the vanguard of developments towards integration in Israel, as well as an influential global spokesperson on Integrative Oncology, through his roles as a Trustee of the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and SIO Regional Ambassador to Europe and the Middle-East. His experience of pioneering integrative services affords him deep insights into the challenges to integration and the most successful strategies for success.

Santhosshi Narayanan MD is deeply involved in the development of Integrative Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, where she is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Palliative, Rehabilitative and Integrative Medicine. Dr Narayanan explains the services now on offer to those with cancer, the way these interface with conventional oncology services, and the impact that an integrative programme can have on patient experience and outcome. She also looks to the future and the additional services now in development.

Surgical Oncologist and Cancer Researcher Dr Emma Davies found herself thrust into the unenviable position of carer for her partner who had been diagnosed with an aggressive stage IV cancer. While always having more than a passing interest in a wider view of healthcare, this development pushed her to take a deep dive into the wealth of resources within Integrative Medicine available to help her wife in these extremely difficult circumstances. What she found has made a world of difference to them both: "This has all of the evidence behind it, it’s all positive things, it has no detrimental effects to her health, improved her quality of life… all people need to know about this."

Joshila DeVile has been deeply involved in the exercise revolution that has overturned previous thinking in regards to cancer, and provided patients with a potent tool for self help – one that every patient deserves to be equipped with.

Kiki Marselou is an experienced pharmacist who decided to broaden her healthcare skills by training in nutrition and homeopathy, enabling her to support patients from the inclusive position of having a foot firmly in both camps.

Passionate about oncology and about the power of integration, Konstantina Stylianou returned to Cyprus from her studies and experience overseas, and has quickly and significantly affected the culture of the hospital where she works, to embrace a more integrative approach.