People with cancer benefit from integrative cancer care for the whole person, with the body, mind, spirit, social, and environmental health. All of these components of health and life interact, influencing one another and interdependently shaping each individual. There is no separation; only networked parts comprise the whole of each human being. Quality cancer care must address the whole person.

The U.S. medical model during most of the 20th century featured external authority over the physician rather than patient-provider collaboration. Conventional practitioners generally have not encouraged, and in some cases even allowed, patients to play a role in their health care.

Cancer care in the 21st century has seen improvements in healing partnerships and the incorporation of new practices for more aspects of the whole person. Some providers would do better to treat their patients with whole person health care, education, and support for each individual’s healing potential. People with cancer are becoming more proactive in educating themselves about their health and healing. That includes focusing on the whole person rather than the diagnosis and disease in isolation, and featuring the entire physical body, mind-body wellness, spiritual vitality, social connections, and a cleaner environment.

Self-responsibility and self-care are essential for people affected by cancer. What does that mean to you? How do you proactively take responsibility for your well-being? How do you empower yourself? What actions enable you to utilize your innate power? How do you strengthen your body, mind, and spirit? How do you care for yourself daily with self-care strategies? You can be your own best advocate.