Holistic care at Cancer Centre London
In the ever-evolving field of oncology, Nuffield Health Cancer Centre London (CCL) and Icon are at the forefront of integrating healthcare approaches to enhance patient experience. At CCL, complementary therapies, including aromatherapy massage, reflexology, and Indian head massage, play a crucial role in patient care. These proven therapies are acknowledged for improving overall wellbeing and can improve side effects of cancer treatment and the overall patient experience.
End to end care
Katarzyna (Kasia) Erdmann, one of three Complementary Therapists at CCL specialising in cancer care, emphasises the significance of these therapies.
“Cancer treatment affects so many aspects of a patient’s life – our offering provides physical and emotional support by creating a peaceful space of inner calm and deep relaxation,” said Kasia.
“We see improvement in pain, fatigue, anxiety, hormonal balance, stress and tension relief, and implement breathing exercises which can help to manage stress.
“For patients going through chemotherapy, reflexology from the beginning and throughout their treatment can offer improvement in circulation and nerve stimulation, which can be beneficial for people with peripheral neuropathy (pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in your hands, arms or feet).”
Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy at CCL are entitled to free complementary therapy sessions – four hours for chemotherapy patients and six hours for those undergoing both treatments. These sessions, broken into 30-minute appointments, are tailored to fit a patient’s schedule and treatment plan.
Proven patient benefits
The benefits of these therapies are now well-documented by cancer support services like Macmillan in the UK and the Cancer Council in Australia. Additionally, research published in medical publications like the BMJ and Journal of Clinical Oncology demonstrate that mind-body interventions like meditation, breathing and yoga can improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and enhance survival rates for cancer patients.
CCL’s experienced therapists cater to the specific needs of cancer patients. Aromatherapy massage, using essential oils, promotes relaxation and wellbeing. Reflexology stimulates specific points on the feet, hands, and ears to enhance overall health. Indian head massage targets the shoulders, neck, face, and head to alleviate anxiety and tension, promoting a sense of calm.
“We’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of these therapies on our patients,” said Kasia.
“They often help manage stress and side effects, enhancing the overall treatment experience with many patients choosing to continue these therapies even after their initial sessions.
“Seeing patients coming with physical tension and feeling anxious but leaving with some relief and feeling uplifted throughout their treatment is really rewarding.”
Future healthcare
The integration of complementary therapies at CCL reflects a growing trend in oncology towards holistic patient-centred care. In partnership with Nuffield Health in the UK, Icon advocates for an integrated approach to healthcare and wellbeing, placing patients at the centre with a focus on improving outcomes and delivering a better patient experience.
“When I started in this field ten years ago and even when I started at CCL seven years ago, some clinicians were less aware of the benefits of complementary therapies,” said Kasia.
“But now healthcare professionals are changing our approach – we all work together to reinforce to patients that it’s important to look after your mind and body.”
CCL is committed to setting this standard by addressing the whole person. This holistic approach not only helps manage symptoms and side effects but also fosters overall wellbeing and resilience throughout a cancer diagnosis.
Kasia is proud of the work she and her team do for patients.
“What we do serves as a reminder to look after your body and your mind – some people come to us who say, ‘complementary therapies are not for me’, but then they end up walking away with the benefits for life.”
CCL delivers complementary therapies alongside referrals to allied health professionals such as dietitians, physiotherapists and occupational therapists to deliver a truly integrated healthcare team delivering all aspects of care to our patients.
More information at Nuffield Health.
More information on Icon and Cancer Centre London’s collaboration.
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