Integrative Oncology Services & Therapies Offered at UH
University Hospitals Offers an Integrated Approach to Cancer
University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and University Hospitals Connor Whole Health collaborate to offer integrative oncology – an evidence-based approach that utilizes complementary therapies, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques to enhance your cancer care. Integrative oncology empowers individuals to take an active role in their healing, while we collaborate with your other healthcare providers to create a personalized, holistic approach tailored to your unique needs.
The Integrative Oncology team works closely with the UH Connor Whole Health locations in Beachwood, Medina, Parma and Westlake. To schedule a visit in the Integrative Oncology program, please call 216-285-8996.
Integrative Oncology Consultations
An integrative oncology consultation is an initial visit where we assess your needs and create a comprehensive care plan. Integrative oncology providers work with you and your other healthcare providers to support your cancer journey through lifestyle changes and supportive therapies.
In your initial meeting, we assess your needs, focusing on diet, physical activity, stress, sleep, spirituality, and the use of natural supplements and complementary therapies. The meeting includes:
- A review of your health history, current health concerns and goals of care.
- A discussion about lifestyle habits – nutrition, movement, sleep, stress and social connection.
- Creating your evidence-based, personalized integrative health plan: Tailored to your individual needs, your plan will utilize services within the UH system and in the community.
- Coordinating timing of care with other providers and the judicious use of complementary therapies; referral to services within Connor Whole Health and University Hospitals is provided as needed.
- Scheduling follow-up visits to optimize your health.
When and Where
Integrative oncology consultations are held at:
- UH Connor Whole Health Beachwood with Santosh Rao, MD, on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- UH Connor Whole Health Westlake with Jennifer LeGros, CNP, on Wednesdays.
Cancer Wellness Program: Lifestyle Medicine for Cancer Prevention
Our virtual, 8-week Lifestyle Medicine for Cancer Prevention Program utilizes shared medical visits to foster community and support lifestyle changes aimed to help:
- Prevent cancer.
- Prevent the recurrence of cancer.
- Assist recovery after cancer treatment.
Integrative Oncology Symptom Management Clinic
Patients at any stage of their cancer journey have access to our Symptom Management Clinic. After an initial consultation with a provider, you receive individualized recommendations for integrative therapies to help manage common symptoms such as pain, fatigue, neuropathy, depression, anxiety, insomnia and more.
The Symptom Management Clinic includes acupuncture, massage, Reiki and other therapies offered at locations in Beachwood and Westlake.
UH Connor Whole Health Beachwood
- Monday/Wednesday: Massage and Acupuncture
- Wednesday: Reiki
UH Connor Whole Health Westlake
- Friday: Acupuncture
UH Connor Whole Health at UH Sharon Health Center
- Monday: Massage, Mindfulness and Reiki
- Thursday: Acupuncture
Stress Management
Stress management is a key component of well-being for those affected by cancer and can take many forms. We offer group programs, virtual therapies, movement classes and expressive therapies to meet the needs of all patients.
Group-shared medical visit programs include Meditation with Movement and MUSIC for Stress Management. All visits to these programs will be billed to insurance.
Meditation with Movement
Meditation with Movement consists of over nine weekly visits in a small group, through which you’ll learn the basics of meditation, how it can improve your health, and how to start a home practice that is right for you.
MUSIC for Stress Management
MUSIC for Stress Management is a fun, interactive 4-week program designed to help you express yourself and learn how to better manage stress through music.
Other stress management programs we offer include the HEALTH Soundtracks Program, a free virtual music therapy/meditation program. In your initial 30-minute music therapy session, your music therapist will:
- Learn your needs and preferred music styles.
- Create original music and scripted meditation for you. You can be as involved in the process as you like.
- Send you a link to your custom content, plus a log of other recordings to use during and after your treatment.
Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy differs from a typical yoga class in that sessions are one-on-one with a trained yoga therapist. During your session, your yoga therapist will guide you through a unique and individualized practice designed to address your personal goals and concerns. Your yoga therapist may use several of the therapeutic aspects of yoga – including movement, breath work, guided imagery and meditation – to address your main concerns. Your therapist will also discuss lifestyle changes to promote a path to healing.
During your initial consultation, your concerns and goals will be discussed, you will have a physical yoga assessment, and we will develop your yoga plan. Follow-up sessions will serve as the personalized building blocks in reaching your goals. The service is self-pay.
Beginning 4/28/25, we offer a free group yoga class every Monday at our Westlake location for women with breast cancer who have had a mastectomy or radiation treatment. Call 216-286-6219 to register.
Inpatient Seidman Cancer Center Integrative Oncology Program
The Inpatient Seidman Cancer Center Integrative Oncology Program provides integrative therapy support for the physical, mental and spiritual health of patients admitted at UH Seidman Cancer Center. Please ask the inpatient team for support from our program.
Spending time inpatient for cancer care can be difficult, and supportive therapies may help improve quality of life both mentally and physically. Therapies offered through the Inpatient Integrative Oncology program include:
Featured Services
Art Therapy
Self-expression through art therapy can help cancer patients and caregivers cope. You do not need training in art to benefit. Our therapists can work with you and your family.
Music Therapy
Music therapy can help patients improve their emotional, mental and physical health. You do not need training in music to benefit. Our therapists can work with you and your family.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices can help you become aware of the present moment to promote relaxation and resilience.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles at strategic points on the body to help create positive change. This technique can help treat many conditions such as pain, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, stress and anxiety.
Reiki
Reiki, pronounced /ray-kee/, is rooted in traditional Eastern medicine. It uses the gentle laying of hands to reduce stress and promote deep relaxation. It is gentle yet powerful. People who receive Reiki often report a feeling of peace, calm or well-being.
Movement
Gentle bodywork uses physical exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind and spirit. Examples include Qigong – a Chinese medicine technique using breathing and exercises to optimize energy – breathing techniques and stretching.
Massage and Acupressure
Massage therapy can provide cancer patients with stress relief and help manage pain.
Pet Therapy
Pet therapy can help reduce stress and improve well-being in people living with cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the Team
Medical Providers
Acupuncturists
Massage
Music and Art Therapy
- Angelique Foss, LPMT, MS, MT-BC
- Hope Ezell, LPMT, MT-BC (inpatient)
- Anna Bekavac, LPMT, MT-BC (inpatient)
Reiki
Mind-Body Instructor
- Amy Sapola, PharmD, FAIHM, IFMCP