Established in 2016, The Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research expands on the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine’s excellence in research and education and aims to develop a stronger evidence base for integrative cancer therapies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cancer is the second leading cause of death and more than 25 million people are living with cancer. In 2015, the Canadian Cancer Society estimated that one in two Canadians would be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Of those Canadians diagnosed with cancer, nearly 65% will live more than five years after their diagnosis.

The number of people seeking integrative therapies to improve the quality of their life lived with cancer continues to increase.

The Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research aims to ensure that the integrative therapies people are choosing are not harmful, will be effective and will not interfere with standard cancer treatment. By collating high-quality evidence and making this information readily available, we support patients and their health-care providers in making the best, evidence-informed decisions for patient’s individualized care. As clinical impact matches high quality evidence, true integration of cancer care can be reached.