By Jill Holder

Regina Lowry, UK College of Nursing, demonstrates energy therapy techniques on Claire Baker, UK College of Nursing employee.

The Integrative Medicine Program complements care available to patients undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers. The program incorporates all aspects of a patient's treatment to provide the best care for the mind, body and spirit.

Lexington, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2002) -- Today, University of Kentucky officials presented the Integrative Medicine Program in the Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson Cancer Facility for Women at the UK Markey Cancer Center.
UK officials also invited the public to an open house to celebrate the opening of the new facility from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5.

According to Philip DeSimone, M.D., professor of medicine, UK College of Medicine, and chief of the hematology/oncology division, there has been an increasing interest in the use of complementary treatments for cancer in recent years. The Integrative Medicine Program complements care available to patients undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers. The program incorporates all aspects of a patient's treatment to provide the best care for the mind, body and spirit.

"The purpose of these services is to help patients through a difficult time," said DeSimone.

"This new Integrative Medicine Program is just an extension of our comprehensive mission of the center," said Alfred Cohen, M.D., professor of surgery, UK College of Medicine, and director for the UK Markey Cancer Center.

Research programs will be an important part of these services. "After we get clinics going, we will start research programs to put more credibility in these services."

"As a cancer center, we are research oriented and can link clinical expertise with laboratory research. This is called transitional research."

UK Markey Cancer Center faculty and staff offer the following services in order to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of their patients:

-- Acupuncture - The goal of acupuncture is to improve the flow of energy through the body by unblocking areas where energy flow is obstructed and by redirecting energy to areas where it is lacking. Acupuncture involves stimulation by insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin.

-- Energy Therapy - In an energy therapy session, the patient relaxes mind and body as the energy therapist works to redirect energy flow and to clear blockages.

-- Massage Therapy - Massage therapy is the therapeutic manipulation of soft tissues in the body by various hand movements.

The Integrative Medicine Program is committed to research on promising approaches to comprehensive cancer care and to the education of health professionals about the values of integrative medicine.

The facility also houses several clinics and programs to serve women and their families better, such as multidisciplinary cancer clinics, the hematology/oncology clinic and the gynecologic oncology service.

"Markey Cancer Center is a rather unique patient care facility," said Cohen. "A unique aspect is that we discuss options with patients and families all in one day."

The Markey Cancer Foundation provided funds for the facility. Founded in 1978, the foundation has raised more than $50 million to build and support the UK Markey Cancer Center. The continuing mission of the foundation is to support the UK Markey Cancer Center in its efforts to advance the highest standards of cancer care and research. The UK Markey Cancer Center is one of only a few cancer centers in the nation that have been built exclusively through private funds.

For directions or more information about the open house, please contact UK Markey Cancer Center (859) 257-4488.