Cancer Treatment Support

TCM Support During and After Cancer Treatment

Patients may experience a range of physical symptoms and changes in daily life during or after surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other cancer treatments.

Every patient’s cancer diagnosis, treatment plan, health condition, and stage of treatment are different. For this reason, TCM supportive care should be assessed individually.

During your consultation, the TCM practitioner will review your current cancer treatment plan, medications, main symptoms, appetite, sleep, energy levels, and other relevant health information. Where appropriate, TCM care may be provided alongside your existing medical treatment and rehabilitation plan.

Common Reasons Patients Seek Support

Patients may seek TCM supportive care during or after cancer treatment for concerns such as:

• Fatigue or reduced energy

• Poor appetite

• Nausea or digestive discomfort

• Sleep difficulties

• Pain or other physical discomfort

• Physical recovery after surgery

• Supportive care during chemotherapy or radiation therapy

• Recovery and general health support after completing cancer treatment

These symptoms may be related to the cancer itself, cancer treatment, or other health conditions. New, persistent, or worsening symptoms should be reported to your oncology care team for appropriate assessment.

How TCM Assessment Works

The TCM practitioner will first review your cancer diagnosis, current or previous treatments, treatment schedule, medications, and your main current concerns.

Depending on your individual circumstances, the assessment may also include your appetite, digestion, sleep, pain, energy levels, and daily activities. This information helps determine whether TCM treatment is appropriate and how it may be coordinated with your current cancer care.

If you are currently receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or other cancer treatments, please provide relevant treatment and medication information during your consultation.

Treatment & Supportive Care

Depending on your individual needs, TCM supportive care may include acupuncture and other appropriate TCM treatment approaches.

Treatment decisions take into consideration your current stage of cancer treatment, overall health, main symptoms, and safety considerations.

If Chinese herbal medicine is being considered, particularly while you are receiving cancer drug therapy, your current medications and treatment plan should first be reviewed to assess potential herb–drug interactions and other safety considerations. Communication with your oncology care team may be recommended when appropriate.

TCM supportive care is intended to complement your existing cancer treatment and rehabilitation plan. It does not replace diagnosis, cancer treatment, or regular follow-up with your oncologist or oncology care team.