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Read MoreFunctional Medicine for Cancer Patients
Your cancer journey deserves compassionate, evidence-informed support. Functional medicine for cancer patients works alongside standard oncology care, using research-backed complementary therapies to help manage symptoms, reduce treatment side effects and improve quality of life. This is not about replacing chemotherapy, surgery or radiotherapy—it’s about addressing root causes of ill health, supporting your body’s natural resilience and helping you feel your best.
Is Functional Medicine for Cancer Patients Right for You?
- Undergoing active treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or hormone therapy and looking for help managing fatigue, nausea, sleep problems or anxiety.
- In remission or post-treatment, wanting to rebuild strength, restore your microbiome, regulate hormones and reduce recurrence risk.
- Living with chronic or advanced cancer, seeking to improve energy, digestion, mood or overall quality of life while coordinating with your oncology team.
- At high genetic or family risk, interested in targeted prevention, metabolic optimisation and longevity strategies.
Every plan is tailored to your diagnosis, treatment stage, lifestyle and goals.
An Integrative, Supportive Approach
Integrative medicine uses therapies developed outside of Western medicine—such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture and nutritional strategies—in coordination with standard treatments to relieve symptoms and side effects. Unlike alternative medicine, which replaces standard care, integrative therapies are used alongside conventional treatments and should be evidence-based.
Functional medicine is a personalised form of integrative care that identifies and addresses root causes of illness. In cancer care this means:
- Supporting gut health and the microbiome with diet, fibres and probiotics to enhance digestion and detoxification.
- Balancing hormones to mitigate treatment-related changes and improve energy.
- Enhancing immune function and inflammatory balance to strengthen resilience during and after treatment.
- Promoting detoxification pathways and mitochondrial function to reduce fatigue and support recovery.
- Addressing mental and emotional health through stress-management techniques, sleep optimisation and mindfulness.
Importantly, functional medicine practitioners do not claim to cure cancer; they work collaboratively with oncology teams to enhance overall health and quality of life.
How Functional Medicine Supports Cancer Patients
Modern integrative oncology recognises that combining conventional treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies can reduce symptom burden and improve outcomes. Our functional medicine service may include:
Personalised Nutrition
Cancer and its treatments often disrupt appetite, digestion and metabolic balance. We design nutrition plans that consider your treatment stage, weight changes and dietary preferences. By focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, balanced macronutrients and microbiome-supportive fibres, we help you maintain strength and stabilise blood sugar. Supplements are recommended only when they’re safe and unlikely to interact with medications.
Gut and Microbiome Support
Chemotherapy and antibiotics can alter gut flora and cause nausea, diarrhoea or constipation. We use targeted prebiotics, probiotics and herbal therapies, alongside dietary changes, to restore microbial balance and reduce GI side effects. Improving gut health also enhances immune function and nutrient absorption.
Energy, Fatigue and Recovery
Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer treatment. We assess factors such as mitochondrial function, anaemia, thyroid and adrenal health, and develop plans to support energy production through nutrient optimisation, gentle movement and restorative sleep routines.
Immune and Inflammatory Balance
A well‑regulated immune system helps your body tolerate treatment and recover more quickly. We address inflammation through diet, stress reduction, detoxification support and, when appropriate, targeted nutraceuticals. Our goal is to modulate the immune response without overstimulation.
Metabolic and Hormonal Health
Cancer therapies can impact weight, blood sugar and hormones. We track metabolic markers and provide guidance on insulin regulation, muscle preservation and hormonal balance, supporting both men and women through treatment and into survivorship.
Mental and Emotional Resilience
Integrative therapies like meditation, breathing exercises, hypnosis and yoga can help reduce anxiety and pain. We offer mind‑body techniques and coaching to foster emotional resilience, improve sleep and empower you throughout your cancer journey.
Your Care Pathway With Dr Stavy
- Pre‑consultation – You complete a detailed questionnaire and share your medical history, cancer diagnosis, treatments and medications.
- Initial consultation (60–90 minutes) – We explore your symptoms, lifestyle, diet, stress levels, sleep patterns and goals. Together we clarify what you’d like to achieve: symptom relief, improved energy, reduced recurrence risk or long‑term health optimisation.
- Advanced testing (if appropriate) – Where necessary, we may recommend tests to evaluate nutrient status, gut health, metabolic, hormonal and inflammatory markers. All tests are considered in the context of your oncology care.
- Personalised care plan – You receive a tailored plan covering nutrition, gut support, stress management, sleep, movement and safe supplementation. Recommendations are evidence‑based and designed to complement your oncology treatment.
- Ongoing review and survivorship support – We regularly review your progress, adapting the plan to your treatment cycles and recovery phases. Once treatment ends, we transition to long‑term survivorship and longevity care.
Safety and Collaboration
We always review oncology reports, medication regimens and treatment protocols before making recommendations. Integrative therapies should never interfere with cancer treatments.
Our team communicates with your oncologist or GP (with your consent) to ensure safe, coordinated care.
The Society for Integrative Oncology emphasises that guidelines are tools, not rules; clinicians must balance evidence, safety and patient preferences when recommending complementary therapies.
Patient Testimonials
Her assistance team are very engaging and supportive.
I highly recommend…
Analytical and thorough, her methodical approach, patience and perseverance make up the perfect package of a doctor with everything! 🥰
There is still some way to go, but through changes to diet, my IBS, which I had for about 15 years has gone, my sinus issues have greatly improved and I am no longer dizzy. I’ve also lost quite a bit of weight, which is a great and has improved my confidence.
Since then, whatever problem I had, pathological, orthopedic but also psychological, I went to Stavroula!!
Always with a sweet talk, with patience but also with scolding whenever needed!
Thank you my dear!!!
Be strong!!!
I am happy with Dr Stavy and highly recommend her as a Functional Medicine doctor
A big thank you to the best doctor in London.
My experience with her has been nothing short of exceptional. She keeps helping my son and I appreciate that. She is a dedicated and knowledgeable practitioner who truly cares about her patients’ well-being. I am grateful for her expertise and support, and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a holistic and effective approach to healthcare.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW
Whether in London or anywhere in the UK, our online consultations ensure you receive the highest quality functional medicine treatment from the comfort of your home.
Why Choose Dr Stavy?
Dr Stavy brings together conventional diagnostics, functional medicine and longevity expertise. Her background in medicine, psychology and ultrasonography enables her to integrate clinical data with a deep understanding of how serious illness affects behaviour and mental wellbeing. She collaborates closely with oncologists in both the NHS and private sectors to ensure that every recommendation is safe and grounded in research.
Links to Related Services
- Functional Medicine – Learn more about our broader functional medicine services.
- Longevity Medicine – Explore how longevity strategies can support cancer survivorship and long‑term health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is functional medicine safe during chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
Integrative therapies should be used alongside, never instead of, conventional cancer treatments. Many complementary therapies are safe when coordinated with your oncology team.
Will you tell me to stop my cancer treatment?
No. Functional medicine supports your body during treatment but does not replace standard care.
Do you offer alternative cancer cures?
We do not offer unproven or “miracle” cures. Our recommendations are based on evidence and safety guidelines.
Can you work with me if I’m being treated in the NHS or abroad?
Yes. We work with patients receiving care in the NHS or overseas, coordinating our recommendations with your local oncology team.
What tests do you recommend?
Testing is personalised. We may suggest blood tests, stool analyses or metabolic panels if they can meaningfully guide your care.
Do you offer remote consultations?
Consultations are available in person at our London clinic and online for patients across the UK and internationally (where permitted).
Ready to Explore Integrative Support?
You deserve comprehensive support during and after cancer treatment. Functional medicine for cancer patients empowers you to take an active role in your health, combining personalised lifestyle strategies with modern oncology.
Book a consultation or ask a question today to begin your integrative care journey.
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