Supporting Your Patients Through Radiation

Debrah Harding, ND, FABNO

Speaker Biography:

Deb Harding, ND, FABNO has over 20 years of experience in the field of naturopathic medicine. Currently she is a Clinical Supervisor and Assistant Professor at Bastyr University in San Diego, CA. Here she teaches naturopathic students oncology and environmental medicine. Previously she has held positions with CTCA in Zion, Illinois and private practice in several locations. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors in sunny California, as well as gardening, hiking, baking and spending time with her family.

Abstract:

This lecture is designed to inform naturopathic doctors about the basic ABC’s of radiation oncology.  This talk will also provide an overview of safe use of supplements alongside treatment.  Research updates on common naturopathic medicine interventions for oral mucositis, diarrhea, dermatitis, etc.  related to radiation therapy will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand basics of radiation therapy including mechanism of direct and indirect actions and differences between proton, electron and photon-based therapies in radiation therapy.

• Become familiar with various types of radiation therapy treatments available to patients.

• Understand how to safely support reduction of radiation therapy side effects with naturopathic interventions.

• Be familiar with generally accepted contraindications in integrative oncology for supplement prescribing during radiation therapy.