Integrative cancer care addresses the major components of health and life impacting one another. EmbodiWorks defines integrative cancer care in five areas—Body, Mind, Spirit, Social, and Environmental. All of these aspects of your health and life are constantly interacting together, influencing one another, and interdependently shaping who you are. For example, think about integrative cancer care using diet. While what you eat impacts your physical body, food also strongly affects how you think mentally and feel emotionally, aspects of your spirituality, how you relate to yourself and other people socially, and ways in which your environment impacts your health. No separation exists between all that who you are. As a living system, you are compromised of a network of webs constantly connected and in communication with one another.
Explore how the integrative cancer care components work in relation to your whole—the totality of who you are. Educate yourself about strategies for optimal wellness through integrative cancer care to reduce cancer risk, improve cancer-related survival, and quality of life.
 Body
Research studies have shown for many years that cancer grows in fertile soil, or a hospitable environment in the body, supporting cancerous cells. The internal environment of the body impacts whether or not cancer grows in each person. For many, cancer is a symptom of an altered, unbalanced system. The focus then expands from the cancer diagnosis to include the whole body. Integrative cancer care provides attention to and interventions for the cancer diagnosis, the entire physical body, and the whole person. Read information about the physical disease—and those impacting the entire physical body—in people with cancer.
 Mind
The state of your mind and emotions impacts your health due to the mind-body connection. "Mind does not dominate body, it becomes body— body and mind are one," according to scientist Candace Pert, PhD. As thoughts and feelings, as well as beliefs and attitudes, impact and literally shape aspects of biological functioning, studies indicate that mind-body approaches strengthen the mental and emotional inner life supporting health and healing. Empower yourself with information about mind-body practices.
 Spirit
Most people understand that they are connected to something larger than themselves and engage some form of contact with spirit. There is a sense of being whole when spirit is united with the body. Studies indicate that spiritual well-being improves quality of life in people with cancer. Explore perspectives, questions, strategies, and resources related to spirituality.
 Social
When cancer is in the picture, new perceptions and social experiences emerge. People dealing with cancer—patients, family members, friends—endure a range of social challenges and opportunities. Learn about some common social issues people affected by cancer encounter with themselves, other people, and society as a whole. Explore strategies toward strengthened support through one's self and community when dealing with cancer.
 Environmental
Today's world contains high levels of environmental carcinogens. The National Cancer Institute even refers to studies as far back as the 1960s concluding that the majority of cancers could be prevented by acting on what was known about the environmental causes of the disease. Each person must take steps to safeguard against toxic chemicals. Addressing the link between cancer and the environment is central to supporting cancer risk reduction and for anyone already with cancer. Learn the facts about supporting health through environmentally safe lifestyle choices.
Our most popular resources
 Diet and Cancer
You are what you eat! Some foods kill cancer cells and others promote cancer cell growth. Learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods in the midst of cancer is essential.
 Cancer Resources
Knowledge is power. Reliable resources are empowering. We provide clear information, explanations, and maps to educate and empower. Explore our integrative cancer care resources for navigation tools and support.
 Mind-Body Strategies
The mental and emotional inner life impacts health and healing through the mind-body connection. Learn about empowering mind-body practices supporting mind, body, and spirit for cancer patients and caregivers.
 Spiritual Support
The spiritual dimensions of life often become more prominent in the midst of cancer for cancer patients and their loved ones. Explore our empowering information about spirituality for support and strategies.
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