What is integrative oncology? And why it matters.

As a physician who has dedicated her career to oncology, I’ve spent countless hours with patients, listening to their fears, hopes, and questions. Again and again, I’ve witnessed the incredible resilience of the human spirit but also the frustrating gaps in our system. Many patients ask: “What else can I do to feel better during treatment?”. And sometimes caregivers wonder how to answer that question. These moments have shaped my conviction that we can do better, not just by fighting cancer, but by caring for the whole person. This led me to integrative oncology.

What is integrative oncology?

Integrative oncology is an evidence-informed approach to cancer care that combines standard medical treatments — such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or immunotherapy — with complementary therapies like mindfulness, yoga, acupuncture, massage, exercise, and nutrition advice.

The goal is not to replace conventional treatment, but to support it — helping patients manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and stay strong throughout their journey. When done safely and based on scientific evidence, integrative oncology can reduce fatigue, anxiety, pain, and sleep problems.

Belgium needed BelSIO

I’m proud to announce the launch of the Belgian Society for Integrative Oncology (BelSIO), Belgium’s first national home for integrative oncology. BelSIO’s mission is simple and urgent: to help caregivers offer safe, evidence-based complementary care alongside standard cancer treatment.

Why this launch matters

• Patients already use complementary options. Many people living with cancer try mindfulness, exercise or massage. They deserve clear, science-based guidance on what helps, what doesn’t, and what could be harmful.
• Caregivers need practical tools. Oncologists, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, and GPs often get questions like “What else can I do?”. BelSIO will help them answer with confidence, using trusted guidelines and studies.
• Quality of life is part of good care. Proven complementary options can ease pain, fatigue, anxiety, and sleep problems, without replacing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or immunotherapy.

BelSIO supports caregivers

BelSIO is a reliable hub for anyone involved in oncology care, offering:

• Common standards. A clear charter that puts patients first: complementary care must be evidence-informed, adjunctive to standard care, and patient-centred.
• Education and training. Short courses, practical summaries, and case discussions to integrate the right options at the right time.
• Referral pathways. Help hospitals and practices connect with qualified practitioners who understand oncology and work as part of medical teams.
• Support research. Promoting Belgian studies that test real-world outcomes and safety.
• International collaboration. Partnering with the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO), the British Society for Integrative Oncology, and the Consortium voor Integrale Zorg en Gezondheid (CIZG) to bring best practices to Belgium.

Aligned with our goals

At Anticancer Fund, we share BelSIO’s vision. We both strive for optimal, patient-centred care that is safe, evidence-based, and affordable.

While we won’t be operationally involved, we:

• Promote trusted evidence through our channels and our free information service My Cancer Navigator.
• Signpost caregivers and patients to BelSIO’s tools, training, and services.
• Amplify good practice from Belgium and abroad that complements standard care safely and affordably.
• Share patient insights (anonymised) to highlight where clearer guidance is needed.
• Advocate for quality and safety, discouraging unproven or costly interventions that lack benefit.

In short: we cheer, inform, and connect — so that safe, effective, and sensible options are easier to find and trust.

Closing thought

I’m happy to announce my new role as Board Member of BelSIO. It feels meaningful to help shape something that many of us have quietly hoped for over the years: a structured, evidence-informed way to bring supportive care into cancer treatment.

Are you a caregiver and do you want to get involved? Join BelSIO by filling in the form on the website.