Early-Stage Cancer: Exploring Your Options for Holistic Healing with Integrative Approaches

By Dr. Beth Meneley, DAOM, L.Ac., Founder of Evolved Menopause

Being diagnosed with cancer can feel like the ground has been pulled out from under you. It’s a scary and overwhelming experience, especially in the early stages when you're trying to decide what your next steps should be. When we think about cancer, it’s easy to imagine a war-like approach—cutting, burning, or poisoning the disease. But what if there was another way to think about healing? One that focuses on supporting the body, balancing your health, and creating an environment where cancer can’t thrive?

I’ve been inspired by the work of Dr. Jenn Simmons at Real Health MD and Dr. Nasha Winters, author of "The Metabolic Approach to Cancer" and https://www2.mtih.org, both of whom take an integrative, root-cause approach to early-stage cancer. Their philosophies focus on using the body’s natural healing abilities and creating a balanced terrain where cancer simply cannot thrive. Let’s explore their approaches and understand the options you have if you or a loved one is facing an early-stage cancer diagnosis.

Beyond Fighting Cancer: Creating a Terrain Where Cancer Cannot Thrive

One of the core tenets of Dr. Jenn Simmons’ and Dr. Nasha Winters’ approaches is the idea of “terrain theory”—the belief that cancer develops when the body’s internal environment (or terrain) becomes compromised. Factors like high levels of inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, low oxygen levels, toxic exposure, or an imbalanced immune system create a breeding ground for cancer. When we change this terrain—addressing the root causes that created an environment in which cancer could grow—we support the body's natural ability to heal.

Dr. Nasha Winters emphasizes the importance of changing the metabolic environment, a concept known as the "Metabolic Approach to Cancer". This approach involves examining ten key areas of health—such as blood sugar regulation, inflammation, immune function, and hormonal balance—to understand what is driving cancer growth. By improving cellular health, reducing inflammation, and optimizing metabolism, we create an internal environment that is less conducive to cancer growth and more supportive of overall health.

Understanding Your Options in the Early Stages

If you’re in the early stages of a cancer diagnosis, it’s important to understand that there are multiple paths you can take, and they aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. The decision-making process is deeply personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some of the key options that Dr. Simmons and Dr. Winters explore with their patients:

1. Conventional Treatments: Surgery, Radiation, and Chemotherapy
   Conventional approaches—such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy—are often effective for early-stage cancers, but they come with potential side effects and long-term impacts. Surgery can help remove the tumor, while radiation and chemotherapy are intended to kill any remaining cancer cells. While these approaches may be necessary for some, they can also take a toll on the immune system, gut health, and overall vitality.

   Dr. Simmons and Dr. Winters don’t dismiss conventional treatments; instead, they work with patients to integrate holistic strategies that support the body during and after treatment. This might include nutritional support, detoxification protocols, and other strategies to reduce side effects and improve recovery.

2. The Metabolic Approach to Cancer
   Dr. Nasha Winters’ Metabolic Approach focuses on understanding cancer as a metabolic disease—meaning it thrives in environments with high blood sugar, low oxygen, and increased inflammation. Her approach includes targeting cancer's weaknesses by:

   • Balancing Blood Sugar: Cancer cells love sugar, so one key approach is reducing glucose availability. This often involves using a ketogenic diet—a low-carb, high-fat approach that deprives cancer cells of their primary fuel source. A ketogenic diet also helps lower inflammation and supports metabolic flexibility, which is key for overall health.

   • Supporting Mitochondrial Health: The mitochondria are the energy producers in our cells, and healthy mitochondria are crucial for cancer prevention. Dr. Winters emphasizes mitochondrial support with nutrients like CoQ10, NAD+, and glutathione, along with targeted exercise and detoxification to promote mitochondrial resilience.

   • Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation creates an environment where cancer thrives. Dr. Winters uses anti-inflammatory strategies, including diet, supplements, and lifestyle interventions, to create a healthier, low-inflammation terrain.

3. Supporting the Immune System
   Both Dr. Simmons and Dr. Winters agree that a strong immune system is essential for keeping cancer at bay. The immune system is designed to recognize and eliminate abnormal cells before they turn into full-blown cancers. Strategies for boosting immune function include incorporating immune-boosting foods, like medicinal mushrooms, reducing stress, supporting gut health, and using key nutrients like vitamin D and zinc.

4. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Supports Cancer Healing

   Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can play a supportive role in cancer care by enhancing oxygen delivery throughout the body. Many cancer cells thrive in low-oxygen environments, and HBOT works by increasing the oxygen concentration in the blood, creating conditions where cancer cells struggle to survive. By boosting oxygen levels, HBOT also supports healthy cell function, improves immune response, and aids in healing tissues affected by treatments like radiation. Additionally, HBOT enhances mitochondrial function, helping cells produce energy more efficiently, which is crucial for overall recovery and maintaining vitality during cancer treatment. As a non-invasive and supportive therapy, HBOT can be a valuable addition to an integrative cancer care plan, promoting better health outcomes and overall resilience.

5. Detoxification and Addressing Root Causes
   Chronic toxin exposure and an overwhelmed detoxification system are common contributors to cancer development. Dr. Simmons uses detoxification protocols to help clear toxins, reduce the body's toxic burden, and improve overall cellular health.

   Quicksilver Scientific's detox products, like The Black Box II, are effective for clearing toxins and reducing inflammation. By incorporating a comprehensive detox, we help change the internal environment and eliminate cancer-promoting factors.

6. Balancing Hormones
   For hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer, balancing hormones is crucial. Estrogen dominance is often linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, so managing hormone levels can make a big difference. At Evolved Menopause, we use Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to balance hormones in a way that promotes health without feeding cancer cells. Addressing hormone balance—especially during perimenopause and menopause—is essential for reducing cancer risk and creating a healthier internal environment.

7. Mind-Body Medicine
   Dr. Simmons and Dr. Winters both recognize the role of the mind-body connection in healing. Cancer treatment isn’t just physical—our emotional and mental health matter too. Techniques like meditation, yoga, breathwork, and emotional support are crucial for reducing stress and supporting overall well-being. Stress reduction plays a key role in healing, as chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation.

Creating a Holistic Healing Path

The Evolved Menopause approach is deeply aligned with the integrative philosophies of Dr. Jenn Simmons and Dr. Nasha Winters. If you or a loved one is dealing with an early-stage cancer diagnosis, you should know that you have options. These integrative approaches work to address the root causes that allowed cancer to develop in the first place and help you take a more active role in your healing.

Whether you choose conventional treatment alone or integrate holistic strategies like the metabolic approach, dietary changes, immune support, detoxification, and emotional health, the goal is to empower you and help create an internal environment where cancer cannot thrive. Cancer doesn’t happen overnight, and healing requires a multi-faceted approach that targets every aspect of health.

Moving Forward with Empowerment and Hope

The journey through cancer is different for everyone, and there are no right or wrong answers. It’s important to feel empowered to make decisions that align with your values, your health goals, and your personal journey.

If you’re interested in exploring integrative approaches, like those used by Dr. Jenn Simmons and Dr. Nasha Winters, we’re here to help. At Evolved Menopause, we work with patients to understand the underlying factors contributing to cancer, address hormone balance, support the body’s natural detoxification, and provide tools to promote resilience and healing.

Schedule a consultation today, and let’s take the first steps together toward creating a healing environment for your body—one that fosters hope, empowerment, and a focus on your overall well-being.