#09 Beyond the Prescription: Lifestyle Medicine in Cancer Care with Professor Robert Thomas
In this conversation, Professor Robert Thomas discusses with Dr Elizabeth Thompson the significance of integrative medicine in oncology, emphasising a patient-focused approach that combines conventional treatments with lifestyle and nutritional strategies. He shares his journey into integrative oncology, the importance of exercise and nutrition in cancer care, and the mechanisms behind these interventions. The discussion also touches on the impact of gut health, oxidative stress, and the need for evidence-based practices in personalised medicine.
Their conversation includes how
- Integrative oncology prioritises patient empowerment and self-care strategies.
- Exercise has been shown to improve cancer outcomes significantly.
- Nutritional interventions can enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
- Gut health plays a vital role in overall wellbeing and recovery.
- Oxidative stress is a key factor in cancer development.
- Foods can have antiviral properties, especially during pandemics.
- Personalised medicine is crucial for effective patient care.
- There is a need for more research in integrative oncology.
- Evidence-based practices can help dispel misinformation in cancer care.
- Integrative approaches can improve quality of life for cancer patients.
More about our guest:
Robert Thomas trained as an oncologist at The Middlesex, Royal Marsden and Royal Free Hospitals. His masters degree was based at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square and Duke University North Carolina. Now at UCLH, he is head of integrative oncology within the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine. In this role he advises patients on nutritional, lifestyle and other self care strategies to enhance outcomes after cancer, reduce side effects of treatments and improve overall wellbeing.
He was an editorial member of the NICE guidance on supportive care, oncology lead for the DoH working party for Complementary Medicines and was an editorial member of the NCRN complementary medicine committee.
He is also currently a consultant oncologist at Addenbrooke’s and Bedford and Hospitals were he manages patients with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormones and the newer biological treatments. He remains a clinical teacher at Cambridge University, a professor of sports and nutritional science at the University of Bedfordshire and author of the book “How to Live“.
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