New Integrative Health and Wellness Program Responds to Patient Needs

An Alliance Survey Showed Patients, Survivors, and Caregivers Have Limited Knowledge About Integrative Health and Wellness Options and Benefits

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance (Alliance) has launched the first module of its Integrative Health and Wellness Program, which seeks to increase support for the colorectal cancer community through novel approaches in physical, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being. Integrative health is an important model in cancer care that combines conventional and complementary approaches to provide the best possible treatment. 

The first module focuses on nutrition and provides actionable information on the following topics:

• Nutrition with an ostomy
• Nutrition with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS)
• Nutrition with Crohn’s-Colitis, Short-Bowel Syndrome, or IBS/IBD
• Dehydration prevention
• Diet to prevent intestinal and bowel distress

Future modules will include physical activity, pain management, and intimacy and sexual health.

The launch comes after a survey conducted earlier this year showed that patients, survivors, and caregivers receive inconsistent information about integrative health and wellness, if they receive any information at all. The survey also showed that most individuals who have participated in these activities have noticed a positive difference in their quality of life.

“The survey shows our community believes that integrative health activities have the power to benefit their overall wellness, but that knowledge is not shared among all members,” said Andrea Goodman, Vice President of Patient and Family Support at the Alliance. “Through this initiative, the Alliance will bring value as a trusted source of information that empowers our community to advocate for their holistic care and well-being.”

In addition to providing information through the website, the Program implements a system of wraparound support. The Alliance’s certified patient and family support navigators received comprehensive training on the topic and are prepared to fully engage patients by phone and chat. The Alliance also expanded its Medical Scientific Advisory Committee to include a licensed dietician, Dr. Cynthia Thomson, to support and review Program planning, content, and dissemination.