In this episode of PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE, Carla emphasises the importance of information and the patient's story in cancer care. Drawing inspiration from Professor Kerryn Phelps' book, "The Cancer Recovery Guide," Carla encourages patients to create a BIG folder containing all their medical records, histopathology, care team details, current and past treatment schedules, diets, and lots of other metrics from the diagnosis and throughout their cancer experience.

Carla discusses the significance of having organised information readily available, including blood tests. She explains how a neat spreadsheet of blood test results can provide valuable insights into a patient's health status, allowing for more focused discussions during consultations. By tracking trends in biochemistry, such as liver function, kidney function, white cell count, inflammation, and blood glucose levels, Carla can better understand priorities and make informed treatment suggestions.

Listeners are encouraged to create their own BIG folder, and Carla provides guidance on the type of information to include.

Next Episode Preview: Join Carla in the next episode as she explores the Pathology of Interest and discusses the power of understanding one's own pathology, regardless of whether they have cancer.

Find PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE on Instagram @prosper.cancer.care or visit www.prospercancercare.co.

For more information or to get in touch, connect with Carla on Instagram @carlawrenn or visit www.carlawrenn.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended to be informational only and represents the opinion of the participants, but not necessarily their workplace. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments or lifestyle changes discussed.

In this episode of PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE, Carla focuses on the challenges patients face when dealing with life changes associated with a cancer diagnosis, both in the short and long term. She introduces the concept of lifestyle medicine, an extensively researched approach aimed at improving quality of life for cancer patients.

Lifestyle medicine encompasses various areas including sleep, movement and exercise, diet and nutrition, stress management, personal development, social and spiritual connection. Carla highlights the work of Dr. Lise Alchuler in this field, emphasising the profound impact these lifestyle factors have on patients' cancer experiences and quality of life. She discusses how factors such as movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress management can influence cancer outcomes.

Throughout the episode, Carla emphasises the importance of tailoring lifestyle interventions to each individual's preferences and needs, acknowledging that what works for one person may not work for another. She encourages listeners to consider their own preferences and habits when implementing lifestyle changes.

Key Points:

• Lifestyle medicine is a research-backed approach aimed at improving quality of life for all people, including those with cancer.
• Various lifestyle factors, including sleep, movement, diet, stress management, and social connection, can impact cancer outcomes and overall wellbeing.
• Tailoring lifestyle interventions to individual preferences and needs is crucial for success.
• The importance of optimism and positive thinking in dealing with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Next Episode Preview: Join Carla in the next episode as she explores the concept of having your own "BIG Folder"…

References:

The Definitive Guide to Thriving After Cancer: A Five-Step Integrative Plan to Reduce the Risk of Recurrence and Build Lifelong Health (Alternative Medicine Guides) Paperback – October 8, 2013 by Lise N. Alschuler (Author), Karolyn A. Gazella (Author)

Find PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE on Instagram @prosper.cancer.care or visit www.prospercancercare.co.

For more information or to get in touch, connect with Carla on Instagram @carlawrenn or visit www.carlawrenn.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended to be informational only and represents the opinion of the participants, but not necessarily their workplace. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments or lifestyle changes discussed.

Before delving into discussions about side effects in Episode 4 of PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE, Carla takes a moment to define and elaborate on Naturopathic Medicine and Integrative Oncology. Naturopathic medicine is described as a comprehensive approach to primary healthcare, focusing on education, prevention, treatment, and holistic health of mind, body, and spirit. Carla explains the various therapies involved, including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical movement prescriptions, and lifestyle counselling.

Integrative Oncology, on the other hand, combines conventional and complementary medicines to provide patient-centred care aimed at optimising outcomes. Carla emphasises the collaborative nature of integrative oncology, where all healthcare providers work together to support patients physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Throughout the episode, Carla stresses the importance of addressing side effects experienced by cancer patients, which can vary in type and severity depending on the cancer type, diagnosis and treatment received. She acknowledges the fear patients often have regarding side effects and expresses her passion for providing suggestions to minimise or avoid them.

Carla highlights the significance of evidence-based complementary medicine in helping patients feel better daily, manage treatment side effects, and supporting recovery. She shares some of her favourite evidence-based therapies for minimising side effects, including nutritional powders for bowel function, unique formulations for hot flashes, and herbal medicines for fatigue and radiation dermatitis.

Additionally, Carla discusses the importance of lifestyle medicine strategies in managing side effects and improving quality of life for cancer patients. She touches on rest, movement, fasting, and specific diets as factors that can make a significant difference in patient experiences.

Next Episode Preview: Join Carla in the next episode as she shares her lifestyle medicine tips and tricks to support patients with cancer, helping them manage side effects and improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Find PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE on Instagram @prosper.cancer.care or visit www.prospercancercare.co.

For more information or to get in touch, connect with Carla on Instagram @carlawrenn or visit www.carlawrenn.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended to be informational only and represents the opinion of the participants, but not necessarily their workplace. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments or lifestyle changes discussed.