xAnts

Manila, Philippines – The fight against cancer is evolving. While traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation remain vital, a growing body of evidence highlights the crucial role of lifestyle factors in both preventing and managing the disease. Dr. Urvi A. Shah, MD, MS, a pioneering physician, is at the forefront of this shift, championing the integration of lifestyle medicine into oncology care in the Philippines and beyond.

Dr. Shah's journey began with a curiosity about the impact of diet – a readily modifiable risk factor – on cancer outcomes. “Traditionally, oncology has focused heavily on surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiation,” she explains. “However, we’re increasingly recognizing that what we eat, how we move, how we manage stress, and our sleep habits significantly impact our risk of developing cancer and our ability to tolerate and respond to treatment.”

The Gap in Oncology Care

Dr. Shah points out a significant gap in current oncology practices: the lack of comprehensive lifestyle interventions. Many patients are discharged from treatment without receiving adequate guidance on how to optimize their lifestyle to support their recovery and prevent recurrence. “We’re sending patients home with a prescription for medication, but not necessarily equipping them with the tools they need to take control of their health journey,” she notes.

Lifestyle Medicine: A Holistic Approach

Lifestyle medicine takes a holistic approach, addressing the root causes of disease through evidence-based interventions. It encompasses several key areas:

• Nutrition: Personalized dietary plans focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.
• Physical Activity: Tailored exercise programs to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness.
• Stress Management: Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
• Sleep Hygiene: Strategies to promote restful sleep, crucial for immune function and overall health.
• Social Connection: Fostering supportive relationships and community engagement to combat loneliness and isolation.

Benefits for Filipino Cancer Patients

In the Philippines, where cancer is a leading cause of mortality, integrating lifestyle medicine offers immense potential. Dr. Shah emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive interventions. “We need to consider the Filipino diet, lifestyle, and cultural beliefs when developing personalized plans,” she states. For example, incorporating traditional Filipino fruits and vegetables into dietary recommendations, or adapting exercise routines to suit local preferences.

Addressing Challenges and Looking Ahead

Despite the growing recognition of its benefits, lifestyle medicine faces challenges. These include a lack of awareness among healthcare providers, limited access to resources and trained professionals, and patient adherence to lifestyle changes. Dr. Shah is actively working to overcome these obstacles through education, research, and advocacy.

“We need to train more healthcare professionals in lifestyle medicine, integrate it into medical education curricula, and create supportive environments for patients to adopt healthy habits,” she emphasizes. “Ultimately, our goal is to empower patients to become active participants in their own cancer journey, improving their quality of life and survival outcomes.”

Dr. Urvi A. Shah’s dedication to lifestyle medicine is paving the way for a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to cancer care in the Philippines, offering hope for a healthier future for countless individuals.