Brussels, October 26, 2020
The International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations (IVAA) celebrates today 100 years of Anthroposophic Medicine with a live-streamed symposium “Teaming up Against Cancer” on integrative oncology as a holistic, patient-centered and evidence-informed integration of practices from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments. The event is held in cooperation with the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union.
“Anthroposophic Medicine has a long tradition in providing integrative cancer care that combines state-of-the-art conventional oncology with an individualized approach addressing the patient’s physical, mental and spiritual needs”, says Dr Thomas Breitkreuz, the IVAA president, “a host of clinical studies have already shown the positive contribution of specific anthroposophic therapies.”
A particular focus of the symposium is on the Competence Network on Integrative Medicine that is promoted by the German State of Baden-Württemberg, a leading region in the field of integrative medicine. In her key-note address, Bärbl Mielich, State Secretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Integration in Baden-Württemberg will highlight the positive learnings of this regional network of hospitals, outpatient networks and research institutes on high-quality integrative oncology.
“Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan should include integrative oncology” says Dr Breitkreuz, “and the Baden-Württemberg’s Competence Network on Integrative Medicine provides a blue-print for what could be done at the European level.”
Additional speakers of the event include Dr Marion Debus, Head of Oncology at Klinik Arlsheim, Switzerland, Prof Klaus Kramer, Head of the Integrative Medicine Department at University Hospital of Ulm, Germany and Michèle Rivasi MEP, Co-Chair of the Interest group on Integrative Medicine and Health in the European Parliament.
Through this event, the IVAA wishes to contribute to the current debate on how to tackle cancer and support patients with cancer across all member states of the European Union.
About IVAA
The IVAA, or International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations, promotes the recognition of Anthroposophic Medicine and its implementation in health care systems. Our vision is a world where the benefits of Anthroposophic Medicine are widely recognised, and where patients and doctors have ready access to complementary Anthroposophic Medicines and treatments that improve healthcare outcomes.
