Introduction
Primary brain tumours are a rare but impactful group of cancers that arise from the tissues of the brain and central nervous system. In North America, brain and other central nervous system tumours occur in about 6–7 people per 100,000 each year. While primary brain tumours account for a small percentage of all cancers, they present unique challenges due to their location in the organ responsible for cognition, movement, emotion, and coordination.
These challenges often extend beyond direct tumour effects to include treatment-related symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive changes, pain, and emotional distress—areas that standard oncology care alone may not fully address. Integrative care, which combines evidence-based supportive therapies with conventional treatment, plays a critical role in addressing quality of life and symptom burden for people living with and beyond brain tumours, helping to support overall well-being throughout the cancer journey.
What Are the Symptoms of Brain Tumours?
The following symptoms, especially if they come on suddenly and are unusual for you to experience, should be taken seriously and properly assessed:
- new onset seizures – this is typically the first symptom;
- headaches – may worsen when coughing, sneezing or bending over;
- nausea and vomiting;
- cognitive dysfunction – memory issues, personality changes;
- changes in vision, balance, speech, or sensory loss;
- unexplained weight loss or appetite changes; and
- fatigue and weakness.
What Happens After a Brain Cancer Diagnosis?
Primary treatment of brain tumours will include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, to remove the tumour or shrink the tumour. Other prescription medications are often commonly prescribed, such as anti-epileptics to control seizures, and steroids to decrease swelling and inflammation of the brain.
Many side effects go along with conventional therapy, and many, if not most, can be appropriately managed with integrative cancer care.
A Holistic Approach to Brain Tumor Care
The goal of a holistic, integrative treatment plan is to address the whole person—not only the tumour—by optimizing lifestyle factors that influence cancer biology, symptom burden, and overall quality of life. This approach incorporates individualized lifestyle counselling alongside conventional care to support both physical and emotional well-being.
Lifestyle counselling involves a thoughtful, in-depth assessment of multiple areas of health. Below are examples of how I support individuals living with brain tumours through integrative oncology care.
Nutrition Assessment
Nutrition plays a critical role in inflammation, energy levels, and metabolic health.
Areas of focus may include:
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Incorporating foods rich in antioxidants to help modulate inflammation
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Emphasizing cruciferous vegetables for their potential supportive effects
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Exploring whether a ketogenic or modified ketogenic approach may be appropriate
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Identifying foods that support sustained energy and healthy sleep patterns
Targeted Oral Supplementation
When appropriate, supplements may be used to support treatment tolerance and symptom management.
This may include:
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Vitamin D optimization
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Anti-inflammatory compounds to help reduce swelling and headache burden
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Evidence-informed adjuncts such as curcumin or cannabinoids, when clinically appropriate
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Nutrients that support cognitive function and memory
(All supplementation is individualized and reviewed for safety and interactions.)
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be a valuable supportive therapy in brain tumor care.
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Scalp acupuncture, in particular, may help with symptoms such as cognitive fog, mood changes, and sleep disruption
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Treatments are tailored to the individual’s symptoms and overall care plan
The Integrative Goal
The purpose of integrative care is not to replace standard oncology treatment, but to support the body, reduce symptom burden, and improve quality of life throughout the cancer journey.
