Patient education
Learn more about caring for your whole health
These plain-language summaries and trusted, non-commercial resources can help you learn at your own pace. They are educational and are not a substitute for advice from your own care team.
Food and cancer
A healthy eating pattern includes a range of plants such as vegetables, fruit, beans, and whole grains. If treatment makes eating hard, your needs may be different. Ask your oncology team or oncology dietitian for help.
Movement and fatigue
Gentle movement can help many people, but the right amount depends on your health and treatment. Begin with your care team’s advice, especially if you have anemia, bone problems, infection risk, or heart symptoms.
Stress, pain, and sleep
Mindfulness and other supportive practices may help some people with distress or pain. The best choice depends on your symptoms and safety needs. Ask for medical help if symptoms are new, severe, or worsening.
Supplements
Tell every member of your care team what you take. Herbs and vitamins can cause side effects or interact with cancer treatment. “Natural” does not mean risk-free. Use a visit for individualized review.
Living after cancer
Survivorship includes physical health, emotional health, follow-up care, and daily life. Plans should reflect your diagnosis and treatment history.
Lowering cancer risk
You cannot prevent every cancer. Healthy habits can lower risk for some cancers. Avoid tobacco, consider alcohol risk, move regularly, eat a balanced diet, and keep up with recommended screening.
Trusted resources
A link to a guideline is educational, not an endorsement of the practice. Links are checked periodically; if you find a broken link, please let us know.
Integrative oncology guidelines
- Society for Integrative OncologySIO practice guidelines indexCovers joint SIO–ASCO guidance and other SIO guidelines
- SIO–ASCOIntegrative oncology care for anxiety and depression in adults with cancerGuideline, 2023
- SIO–ASCOIntegrative medicine for cancer painGuideline, 2022
- ASCO–SIOManagement of fatigue in adult survivors of cancer2024 update
- Society for Integrative OncologyPatient eBook: Taking Care of the Whole YouPatient resource
