What Is Integrative Cancer Nutrition? FAQs About My Services and Approach

Quick answer: Integrative cancer nutrition is a whole-person approach to cancer care that works alongside conventional treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy) rather than replacing it. As an Oncology Nutrition Consultant (ONC), I use nutrition, lifestyle changes, and nutrigenomics testing to help reduce risk factors, support the body during and after treatment, and personalize care based on your cancer type, treatment phase, and health history. All sessions are telehealth.

If you're looking for personalized support after a cancer diagnosis, you may be wondering:

• What integrative cancer nutrition actually means
• How it differs from standard nutrition counseling or a hospital dietitian
• Whether it's the right fit for you

This FAQ answers the questions I hear most about my services, my approach, and how I work with clients at Mistletoe Nutrition and Wellness.

About Mistletoe Nutrition and Wellness

Why did you start Mistletoe Nutrition and Wellness?

To spread awareness about comprehensive cancer care. Nutrition, lifestyle, and environment matter greatly, and this often isn't addressed in conventional settings.

If we don’t change the internal and external environment in which cancer was allowed to grow, we haven’t addressed key driving forces of cancer.

Who is Michelle Bruncks, ONC, NTP?

I'm an Oncology Nutrition Consultant (ONC) with specialized training in cancer care and nutritional genetic analysis (nutrigenomics). I help cancer survivors at any stage after a diagnosis integrate changes to nutrition, lifestyle, and environment to reduce risk factors and build a more comprehensive approach to their care.

What exactly is integrative cancer nutrition?

Integrative cancer nutrition affirms the value of conventional therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, while assessing you as a whole person to address underlying health issues and risk factors, introduce appropriate natural therapies alongside your existing care plan, and personalize nutritional support.

This approach focuses on your internal and external environment as a whole, rather than being tumor-centric, and highlights the role of diet, lifestyle, and reducing environmental risk factors.

What is the Terrain Ten model of cancer care?

The Terrain Ten is a framework (developed by Dr. Nasha Winters) that looks at ten interconnected factors, like blood sugar balance, inflammation, the microbiome, and toxin exposure, that create the internal environment, or "terrain," cancer needs to grow. My approach is built on this model: rather than focusing only on the tumor, I look at what allowed it to develop in the first place.

What’s Included in My Approach

What does comprehensive oncology nutrition care include?

• Reducing risk factors that contributed to the diagnosis. Cancer doesn't just happen, it develops.
• Diet, lifestyle, and environmental changes based on treatment phase, cancer type, and personal health history.
• Nutrigenomics testing to review genetic variants affecting treatment efficacy and recurrence risk (for clients interested in testing).
• Research-backed education on complementary therapies that may improve outcomes.
• High-touch, ongoing support between sessions.
  Support for recovery and rehabilitation after treatments and medications.
• Recommendations aimed at reducing recurrence risk.

What is nutrigenomics testing, and do I need it?

Nutrigenomics testing looks at genetic variants that can affect how your body processes nutrients, responds to treatment, and manages recurrence risk. It reveals predispositions and tendencies, not a diagnosis. Testing is optional and works alongside 1:1 counseling. It's a good fit if you want a more personalized, data-informed nutrition plan rather than general recommendations.

Working With Your Oncology Team

Do you communicate with my oncology team?

I've worked both directly and indirectly with MDs and NDs. Some are receptive to nutritional therapy and are happy to collaborate on care plans by phone, fax, or secure portal. Whether or not your doctor is directly involved, they're always informed by you or by me about our work together, and my recommendations are backed by cited research.

If your doctor isn't available to collaborate, or you'd rather not involve them directly, you'll upload your plan of care and relevant labs or test results to my HIPAA-compliant software, so I have the full picture.

Can you help me prepare for treatment, not just manage symptoms during it?

Yes. Improving your internal and external environment from day one supports your response to surgery and treatment. It's also valuable to assess genetic variants and consider complementary therapies early, while your plan of care is still being determined.

How is this different from talking to a hospital dietitian?

I work with clients at any phase after diagnosis, not just during treatment, because needs shift a great deal across pre-treatment, treatment, recovery, and remission.

A hospital dietitian is still a valuable part of care. They complete assessments, track labs during treatment, and offer meal guidance. But because of the hospital setting and shorter appointment times, their work tends to focus mainly on weight and symptom management.

My assessment and approach go further: addressing existing health issues, reducing the risk factors that contributed to the cancer's development, and prioritizing natural, integrative, food-based therapies before turning to drugs for symptom management. Longer intake and follow-up sessions mean you get a deeper understanding of what you're facing, the integrative options available to you, why we're making specific changes, and how to adapt as your needs evolve. This high-touch support helps healthy habits actually stick.

Who I Work With

What kinds of clients do you see?

I work with clients diagnosed with all types of cancer. Because of my personal history with brain cancer, I'm often sought out by people whose diagnosis is rare or advanced.

Do you offer one-on-one sessions, programs, or both?

I offer one-on-one sessions for:

• Oncology nutrition counseling
• Nutrigenomics analysis (genetic testing)

For a self-guided option, I also offer Basics of Anticancer Nutrition, a budget-friendly, in-depth course.

Is this available virtually, or only in Portland?

All one-on-one sessions are telehealth, so you can work with me from home, wherever you are. I periodically offer in-person workshops in the Portland, Oregon metro area for anyone local who wants to connect in person.

Getting Started

How do I get started?

Book a Discovery Call. That's the first step for anyone interested in 1:1 oncology nutrition counseling or nutrigenomics testing.

Do you take insurance?

This is self-pay, with payment plans available for 1:1 nutrition counseling. If you're looking for a lower-cost starting point, Basics of Anticancer Nutrition is a great budget-friendly option.

If you're navigating cancer treatment, recovery, or survivorship and want individualized support, integrative oncology nutrition can help you make informed choices that fit your goals and your life. If you'd like to explore working together, book a Discovery Call.

Disclaimer: Our Content, Programs, Services, Offerings, and/or Products are solely for informational and inspirational use as a self-help tool and are not intended to be professional medical advice, mental health advice, or medical nutrition therapy of any kind. We recommend to always speak to a licensed medical provider prior to making any changes to your routine, including, but not limited to, nutrition, exercise, dietary supplementation, and use of home products and devices and personal care products. We are not licensed to, and do not, diagnose or treat any diseases, disorders, illnesses, injuries or conditions and none of the Content, Programs, Services, Offerings, and/or Products should be taken as medical advice, prescription, disease diagnosis, disease prevention, or disease treatment. We are not a substitute for a licensed physician or other appropriate healthcare provider.