Expert Insight

• Currently, 14 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico require naturopathic doctors (N.D.) to obtain a license. When considering naturopathic treatment, be sure to find a practitioner who graduated from a residential program approved by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
  
  

Treatment

• Naturopathic treatment for melanoma is based on a "whole person" approach and could include a detoxification regimen, nutritional modification and supplementation, exercise management and instruction in life-balance practices. Herbs are often also employed.
  
  

Considerations

• Treatment options depend on factors such as lesion size, stage of the cancer and the patient's age and general state of health.
  
  

Nutrition

• Most naturopathic treatment plans include dietary changes to focus on cancer-beating foods. Soy, for instance, contains compounds that have been shown to slow the rate at which melanoma metastasizes and is often recommended.
  
  

Research

• A study published in the Sept. 14 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that boosting levels of vitamin D may be crucial to preventing and treating melanoma. Vitamin D is metabolized from exposure to the sun and ingestion of supplements, fatty fish or fortified cereals.