Integrative Oncology UK News

24 May 2021

Integrative Oncology UK inaugural conference hailed as huge success as healthcare professionals attend from across the globe.

The brand-new Integrative Oncology UK conference took place on Saturday 15th May 2021. More than 380 delegates attended across a range of disciplines and from a staggering 27 countries.

The conference was designed for healthcare professionals looking to learn more about the benefits of an evidence based integrative approach to cancer care to optimise health, quality of life and clinical outcomes was organised by Progressive Communications in association with the British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO).

During the one-day online event, oncologists, doctors, researchers, clinical nurse specialists, nutritionists, mind-body experts, and patients shared their knowledge on the science and evidence base underpinning lifestyle and complementary approaches in cancer care.

The conference marks a unique moment in Integrative Oncology and Catherine Zollman, conference chair; GP; medical lead, Penny Brohn UK and clinical lead for Personalised Care and Support, SWAG NHS Cancer Alliance comments;

“The conference is a watershed moment which welcomed a truly multi professional & representative audience and speakers. Integrative Oncology is important to patients and we know that at least 60% of patients are already embracing an integrative approach and keen for their clinicians to engage. Patients don’t expect healthcare professionals to be experts, but they do expect them to be curious and to acknowledge how Integrative Oncology can improve outcomes and quality of life, especially by increasing a sense of control and realistic hope.”

Versha Carter, Managing Director of the organisers Progressive Communications Ltd comments on the drive and motivation for the conference;

“There is a real appetite for a more integrative approach to cancer care from a range of disciplines. The conference was organised in partnership with the BISO alongside more than 40 professional groups. 42% of delegates were new to Integrative Oncology and 24% were working within the NHS. There is still lots more work to be done and lots to learn and put into practice, but we believe that this event marked a really significant step towards better patient-centred cancer care in the UK.”

The feedback from delegates has been overwhelming with 98% of people surveyed rated the conference as excellent or good and heartfelt comments including:

“An inspiring conference. I can see wonderful opportunities to bring greater relief to cancer patients with an integrative approach”

“A most inspirational conference – so topical and so in touch with what patients want and need”

“So empowering for health professionals as well as patients to be able to offer a more holistic approach”

“I am very excited about being a part of this movement, this is the way forward”

“Amazing – so exciting to see the changes coming!”

If you missed the live event and you would like to catch up at your leisure, the recordings are available to purchase from just *£60 (*based on BSIO members rate, standard price £85). Purchase online at: www.IntegrativeOncologyUK.com/recordings

 

Previous Press Releases:

18th March 2021

The launch of an Integrative Oncology Conference for Health Professionals

A new online conference for healthcare professionals looking to learn more about the benefits of an evidence based integrative approach to cancer care to optimise health, quality of life and clinical outcomes, is scheduled to take place online on 15 May 2021. Integrative Oncology UK 2021 is being organised by Progressive Communications in association with the British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO).

The conference will highlight the benefits of integrating conventional cancer treatments alongside
evidence-informed psychological, nutritional, lifestyle and complementary strategies. The event aims to provide delegates with practical take-home advice to help reduce side effects from treatments; offer better functional outcomes after cancer surgery and other oncological treatments; minimise emotional stress and optimise physical and mental wellbeing across the cancer care pathway and empower patients to become active participants in managing their health and wellbeing.

The conference committee, made up of representatives from the BSIO and led by Dr Catherine Zollman, have invited an impressive line-up of oncologists, doctors, researchers, clinical nurse specialists, nutritionists, mind-body experts, and patients to present. As well as providing delegates with a strategic toolkit of practical advice, they will share their knowledge on the science and evidence base underpinning lifestyle and complementary approaches in cancer care and provide information on where to refer patients safely and appropriately for further integrative support.

“We have designed a programme that we believe will be of interest to a broad range of cancer health care professionals ranging from oncologists and surgeons through to psychologists and therapists. Speaking from experience, taking an integrative whole person approach can have significant benefits to patients at all stages of their treatment. We have seen that providing a person-centred, holistic approach results in better patient outcomes, better understanding between patients and their clinicians, and in turn provides practitioners with increased job satisfaction” – Catherine Zollman, conference chair, GP and Medical Lead of Penny Brohn UK cancer charity commented.

The British Society of Integrative Oncology was first launched in 2012 with the goal being to promote the integration of conventional, nutritional, lifestyle and complementary medicine to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

“This is an exciting time for the British Society for Integrative Oncology. Change is on the horizon, and momentum is gathering in many countries where evidence-based, comprehensive integrative healthcare is made available to people affected by cancer. We know that safe and effective integrative care can play an important role in achieving better patient outcomes, and we see this new conference as an ideal way to initiate a much-needed multidisciplinary dialogue about the evidence and practical implementation strategies” commented Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel, Vice Chair of BSIO and Integrative Medicine doctor.

Join your fellow colleagues at this inaugural Integrative Oncology UK conference, to learn about the
growing field of evidence-based Integrative Oncology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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