Many patients begin their care at the ICC with an initial visit with one of our naturopathic doctors (NDs). During this visit, your ND will take time to understand your health goals, medical history, lifestyle, and current needs. Based on your unique situation, they may recommend additional services such as acupuncture, massage therapy, counselling, or IV therapy.

However, we also empower you to take an active role in your care. You are welcome to book directly with any of our practitioners – no referral is required.

We offer both in-person and virtual (secure video or phone) appointments, based on your preference. Acupuncture, massage therapy and IV therapy are available in-person only.

Please note: Our NDs are licensed in Ontario, so patients must be in Ontario to receive naturopathic virtual care.

We support people at every stage of cancer, including:

• Newly diagnosed – preparing for treatment with confidence
• During treatment – reducing side effects and supporting strength and resilience and mental wellbeing
• After treatment – rebuilding health and preventing recurrence
• Active surveillance – reducing risk and supporting mental well-being
• Advanced or palliative care – improving comfort, function, and quality of life

We also support individuals with an increased risk of cancer due to family history, genetic mutations, or environmental exposures.

Your first visit will be approximately 2 hours:

• 1 hour with a senior intern gathering history and identifying priorities and completing a body composition scan (if in-person)
• 1 hour with your ND reviewing findings and developing your treatment plan

During the first visit we will spend time getting to know you and your unique situation. This may involve some physical exams, a body composition analysis test, and reviewing any recent lab work (please bring this with you).

Your individualized care plan may include nutrition guidance, botanical and nutritional therapies, exercise and sleep strategies, IV and mistletoe options, mindfulness support, and referrals to other ICC practitioners.

To help us understand your health history and provide the most personalized care, please bring the following items to your first visit (and any follow-up visits where new information is available):

• Copies of recent bloodwork, medical imaging, and pathology reports
• A complete list of all current medications, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and supportive prescriptions
• A list of all supplements, herbs, and over-the-counter products you are taking (photos of labels are helpful)
• Details of your current cancer treatment plan, including your oncology team, treatment schedule, and any recent changes

If you are unsure how to access your medical records, our team can help request them from your healthcare providers with your consent.

Being prepared with this information allows us to make the most of your visit with us and ensures that your care is well-coordinated with the rest of your medical team.

Follow-up frequency thereafter depends on your needs, but as a guideline an appointment may be scheduled when:

• When there is a change in your conventional oncology treatment
• When new symptoms or side effects arise
• When you want to adjust your health goals or advance your care plan

Remember it takes time to get better using natural therapies. Some patients may notice changes after the first visit, but in general, expect to visit us at least four times to fully see how naturopathic medicine can help you in reaching your health goals. Healing takes time and we’re with you every step of the way.

Our interns are 4th-year ND students selected for their interest and strength in integrative oncology. Receiving your care at a teaching clinic, you benefit from:

• More time spent exploring your concerns
• Collaborative case review with multiple clinicians
• Care informed by the latest research

Your intern will spend the first half of the visit gathering a detailed health history and assessing changes since your previous appointment. Drs. Lander or Hoffman then join midway through the appointment to answer questions and create your treatment plan. The intern remains present to support your care and their learning, but all treatment decisions are made by our licensed NDs.

Our registered TCM Practitioner and licensed acupuncturist offers both acupuncture and TCM consultation visits.

• If your primary goal is acupuncture treatment, start with a 90-minute New Patient Acupuncture Visit.
• If you would like a complete Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment including the option of herbal medicine, cupping, tuina massage, guasha, qigong, diet and lifestyle therapies, start with a 60-minute TCM consultation.

Your TCM practitioner will recommend the most appropriate follow-up approach after your first visit.

Massage therapy visits are 90 minutes and include assessment and personalized treatment. Your therapist will tailor hands-on techniques to support:

• Pain relief
• Muscle relaxation
• Lymphatic flow
• Anxiety and stress reduction
• Improved sleep and mobility

Treatment frequency will be customized based on symptoms and your response. Many patients integrate massage into their care as they often report a sense of relaxation and relief following treatment.

• Coping with diagnosis
• Anxiety, fear of recurrence, and treatment-related stress
• Body image and sexuality concerns
• Grief and life transitions
• Caregiver support
• Finding meaning, resilience, and hope

Counselling sessions are offered virtually by secure video for your comfort and convenience.

We believe in a collaborative approach to cancer care. Our team works closely with other healthcare providers to develop a complementary treatment plan that helps to enhance your well-being without interfering with standard medical treatments. This integrated approach helps ensure you receive the most comprehensive and coordinated care possible.

If you would like us to communicate with your oncologist, family doctor, or other healthcare providers, we are happy to provide them with a letter outlining our treatment plan and approach. Please note that we will only do so with your explicit, informed consent.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to advancing the field of integrative oncology and ensuring that you receive care that is safe, effective, and complements your standard medical treatment.

• Another naturopathic doctor
• A nurse practitioner
• A medical doctor

• Hydrate well beforehand. The more hydrated you are when you arrive for your IV, the easier it will be to access your veins.
• Eat a meal at least 3 hours before treatment. Receiving IV therapy on an empty stomach increases the risk of having side effects.
• Wear comfortable clothing with easy arm access. Additionally, choose comfortable pants that can be easily maneuvered should you require any trips to the bathroom during your IV.
• Bring something to help you relax, such as a book to read, music or a podcast to listen to, or a show to watch