Healthgrades Patient Reviews
Patient Testimonials
“Before consulting with Dr. Lawenda, after my recent breast cancer diagnosis, I was in a frozen state-of-mind and felt as though I was losing control of my life fearing what chemo would do to my body. After one session with Dr. Lawenda and understanding more about his "integrative oncology" methodology and approach to cancer treatment, I truly felt a renewed sense of hope. Now with IOE strategies such as exercise, stress reduction, and a clean diet, I know I can totally control this aspect of my life by integrating these habits WHILE undergoing chemotherapy. I CAN DO THIS!! Thanks Dr. Lawenda.”
– June H. Reno, NV December 24, 2015
“Dr. Lawenda is an amazing integrative oncologist with a lot of knowledge and care for his patients. He is great with helping you integrate his knowledge into your life style for a better and healthier you. I am so glad to have found him and that he is a part of my team. He is an expert in the field and a great doctor.”
– Debi Las Vegas, NV December 24, 2015
“Just wanted to thank you for seeing us today. So appreciate the time and your resources will be so valuable to us. I am sure you can imagine how overwhelming the sea of information is that we are getting. YIKES! Both Doug and I are were very impressed with your approach and knowledge in the field of pancreatic cancer. We look forward to seeing you again and can't thank you enough.”
– Allison and Doug Las Vegas, NV December 24, 2015
“Since I began consulting with Dr. Lawenda, he has been responsive to my inquiries, provided me a comprehensive consultation to answer all of my questions, has provided me resources to validate his perspectives, and continues to be a resource as this journey continues. I wish I knew about him before my diagnosis, because the comprehensive nutrition recommendations, supplement recommendations, and all aspects of the program will not only help me through my cancer treatment but throughout the rest of my life.”
– Maryann Pittsburgh, PA December 24, 2015
"Dr. Lawenda is a rare find. Although select doctors and institutions now label themselves as “integrative”, they can be hard to access and none provide to the public the very generous amount of highly reputable and well-researched content that Dr. Lawenda graciously offers on his website free of charge. And I have also been grateful to pay the nominal fee to have his personalized consults regarding my cancer treatment. He is very generous with his time and embodies the definition of “integration” by breaking down the common barriers between western medicine and eastern or holistic traditions. His keenly intelligent thought processes and assessments flow seamlessly between complex evaluations of radiation treatment efficacy and the biological basis and importance of often overlooked lab tests, to the importance of understanding premises in Chinese medicine, herbal supplements, and stress reduction. I am deeply grateful for his level-headed, holistic, and expert guidance as I navigate this complex and challenging experience with breast cancer and I intend to keep consulting with him throughout my treatment course. He is a beacon and I can only hope that many other patients and professionals will be inspired and guided by his illuminating and progressive approach to cancer treatment and wellness.”
– Lisa San Diego, California December 24, 2015
“In 2013, my 25-year-old son was diagnosed with stage 4 testicular cancer. It had spread to a number of sites, including lymph nodes and lungs. Within eight days of his diagnosis he had surgery and started a very intensive chemotherapy regime. I began to frantically search everything about his cancer. I had a nagging feeling that there must be something else I could do to help him overcome this disease, to minimize the side effects of the chemotherapy, to help him recover and stay healthy afterwards. I read everything I could find on natural ways to help them. The amount of information I came across was overwhelming. I needed to find somebody who could give me reliable information on all aspects of a more holistic approach to my son's treatment. I came across the concept of integrative oncology began to research it. I was determined to find an integrative oncologist we could speak to, and was fortunate to find the website of Dr. Brian Lawenda. I emailed him explaining our situation and booked an internet video consultation with him through the AntiCancerize Me Program. My son and I had a really productive 90-minute first consultation with Dr. Lawenda. We were both really happy and relieved to be able to speak to somebody who understood everything about orthodox cancer treatments, whilst at the same time also promoting the importance of good nutrition, natural supplements, exercise, reducing toxic exposure, and stress management. Dr. Lawenda is knowledgeable, empathetic and approachable. Meeting him felt as if we had finally come full circle. The invaluable information we learned through the AntiCancerize Me Program gives me great peace of mind at every step of my son's treatment. Having all this information well organized, in one place, consolidates everything I've learned, and I continue to learn new facts as he adds to it. We have consulted with Dr. Lawenda at various times, both face-to-face through internet video follow-up appointments, and via email, which he always answers promptly. As we continue this journey, I am enormously grateful for his help and support. I just wish we had found him much earlier."
Marta Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom December 24, 2015
“Dear Dr. Lawenda, Thank you so much for your great help in our consultation. For me it is so important to talk to a doctor that is knowledgeable about both the latest medical science and conventional cancer treatments as well as complementary therapies with an emphasis on using natural ways to improve health. Your web page (IntegrativeOncology-Essentials.com) has been very useful in my healing process. Thank you again.”
– Miguel Santiago, Chile December 24, 2015
“I was overwhelmed and frustrated trying to sift through the mountains of studies on complementary strategies to combat my breast cancer. I was very relieved to see that Dr. Lawenda had pulled together a massive amount of information into very easy modules that anyone can understand. It helped me zero in on evidence-based therapies and pull together my cancer plan quickly. Too many doctors only treat the cancer… adding Dr. Lawenda to my team means I will be treating my entire body and mind to give myself the best chance of beating this!”
Cynthia Taylors, South Carolina December 24, 2015
“After feeling overwhelmed and confused by all the information out there, and the indifference of most doctors towards integrative therapies, I was so pleased to find Dr. Lawenda and his AntiCancerize Me Program. It is very thorough, and most importantly, easy to follow. I would most definitely recommend this system to anybody, really, not just cancer patients – as a preventative measure…as a lifestyle. I don't want this happening to my family or anyone else for that matter. Why not do your best to prevent it. Thank you Dr. Lawenda. It was a pleasure.”
– Maureen Los Angeles, CA December 24, 2015
“Dr. Lawenda is an important member of my care team. His expertise regarding integrative strategies is both extensive and current, and his communication style is open and engaging. Hundreds of books and articles espouse methods that might help prevent to diminish cancer, and it can be overwhelming to sort it all out. Dr. Lawenda helped me decide which practices would most benefit me – exactly what I needed.”
– Lisa Houston, TX December 24, 2015
“I feel fortunate to have found Dr. Brian Lawenda via his website, and am pleased he was willing to consult with my father and me regarding my father's recent cancer diagnosis. Most of the oncologists who met with my father – even those from top University hospitals – did not give my dad much hope with conventional medical practices. It was very frustrating to us to hear medical doctors dismiss the suggestions of integrative doctors and vice of versa. We felt lost in the middle with no answers from anyone, not knowing what direction to go. Dr. Lawenda was able to review my father's medical records, medications, and supplements to help us put the entire “action plan” together. During our discussions, he was knowledgeable, honest, and forthright in what could best help my father, while simultaneously managing expectations. He also provided some other resources and suggestions. Dr. Lawenda is a wonderful resource. My family and I will definitely consult with him again.”
– Amy and Mike Pittsburgh, PA December 24, 2015
“Dr. Brian Lawenda is definitely a jem in the field of integrative oncology! Along with his knowledge, skill, dedication, demeanor and creative thinking, he's cutting edge with his integrative approach to medicine, whether it be general health overall or oncology related. He views the patient as a whole human being, body, mind and spirit. He is quite knowledgeable and continues to develop his knowledge of nutrition and how patients can take a role in their health, empowering them in their own lives. He continues to seek more information overall, for better ways to improve care and results from the patient and for the field of medicine. He has chosen his purpose, and he does it with passion for his patients! His way of thinking and practicing medicine will change the landscape of integrated medicine. He is definitely someone to watch do great things!”
– Cari Las Vegas, NV December 24, 2015
“Thank you Dr. Lawenda for the invaluable service you provide. My wife had stage 4 non-small cell cancer with multiple bone metastases when she was first diagnosed. She was given, at best, three months to live. She was a visiting nurse; I'm a field engineer supporting medical imaging systems. We both knew what we are up against. Nevertheless, we were inundated with all kinds of well-intentioned, as well as nefarious information on alternative treatments, many promising cures. We both knew better, but we also knew that there were valid alternative medical treatments that could be helpful. We decided to pursue a course that would incorporate the best of both conventional and alternative therapies. Fortunately, our oncologist was on-board with this. Finding your IntegrativeOncology-Essentials site enabled us to separate the wheat from the chaff, efficiently. We were able to extend her life out to 21 months, and she enjoyed a relatively good quality of life for the last 2 1/2 months. I thank you profusely for helping us to navigate the slippery slopes of cancer treatment. I recommend your site to everyone I encounter who is faced with a cancer diagnosis.”
– anonymous IOE fan December 24, 2015
"In the military we have an expression when overwhelmed..."the fog of war". Dr. Lawenda navigated me out of this "fog" by impeccably listening and answering my every question and need. Being a doctor in the military has obviously given the doctor an uncommon ability to connect with people. My admiration and respect."
– Paul January 25, 2016
Professional Endorsements
”There are so few enlightened radiation oncologists who can work with their patients, enabling them to empower themselves by integrating complementary therapies into their conventional cancer care. Brian Lawenda is one of a rare breed. Patients who have Dr. Lawenda on their care team are fortunate indeed to be able to benefit from his vast fund of knowledge, which he so generously shares with the rest of us in the field by way of his highly informative au courant website and blogs. And to top it off, he is a totally compassionate and caring human being.”
– Donald Abrams, M.D. Director, Integrative Oncology Research Program, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California San Francisco Chief of Hematology/Oncology at San Francisco General Hospital Past President of the Society for Integrative Oncology Author and Editor, Integrative Oncology December 24, 2015
”Brian Lawenda is a rare synthesis of several areas of expertise. An oncologist specializing in radiation oncology, he is also an important name in Integrative Oncology research and clinical care. The recipient of many distinctions and awards for his work, Dr. Lawenda is a caring physician who understands not only the optimal oncologic treatment, but also the application of complementary therapies to relieve symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatment.”
– Barrie R. Cassileth, M.S., Ph.D Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine, and Chief, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Founding President of the Society for Integrative Oncology Author, Survivorship: Living Well During and After Cancer, PDQ Integrative Oncology: Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care, The Complete Guide to Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care: Essential Information for Patients, Survivors and Health Professionals, Herb-Drug Interactions in Oncology December 24, 2015
“Working with Dr. Lawenda to advance integrative oncology education, clinical outcomes, and research methodology has been a rewarding experience. He has impacted many of our students, faculty, and alumni with his genuine interest in integrative care. His contribution as a Board of Trustee member continues to provide leadership to our college in this growing area of healthcare.”
– Stacy Gomes, EdD, MAEd Vice President Academic Affairs, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine December 24, 2015
“Dr. Lawenda is an outstanding physician-scientist, a highly trained clinician grounded in evidence-based medicine but with rare experience and insight into complementary healing. He never limits his expertise to cancer treatment per se and instead practices the type of personalized care that touches the whole life of each patient – and generously teaches his colleagues how to do the same.”
– Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, FASN, FACN, CNS Professor, Nutrition Science and Policy Director, Antioxidants Research Laboratory Tufts University, Boston, MA December 24, 2015
“I have known Brian for many years. He is highly skilled as a radiation oncologist and very reliable as a friend. His knowledge in integrative medicine and how to apply this approach to health in his clinical practice makes him stand out among fellow radiation oncologists. Brian also spent a lot of time trying to educate both patients and health care professionals about integrative medicine and remains a valuable source of information. His professional expertise, coupled with his enthusiasm, warmth and generosity, makes him an exemplary integrative oncologist.”
– Gary Deng, MD, PhD Associate Member/Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Past president, Society for Integrative Oncology December 24, 2015
“We are so grateful to Dr. Lawenda for helping our participants navigate the challenges of cancer and treatment. He generously shares a wealth of information on anti-cancer nutrition as well as the benefits of exercise, stress reduction, and complementary care. Dr. Lawenda is skillful and approachable and is endlessly patient with questions and answers. We sincerely appreciate his extensive knowledge, passion for Integrative Oncology, and his pure compassion for all those touched by cancer.”
– Pati Kearns Director of Services; The Caring Place, A Program of Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation December 24, 2015
“Dr. Lawenda is a leading pioneer in integrative oncology. There are few radiation oncologists with Dr. Lawenda's knowledge of, and respect for, integrative strategies of diet, dietary supplementation and lifestyle management. Dr. Lawenda goes well beyond simply acknowledging the value of integrative treatments; he implements these strategies into his care plans for patients. Integrative oncology is, in many ways, the future of oncology, and Dr. Lawenda is most certainly one of the physicians at the forefront of this evolution.”
– Lise Alschuler, N.D., F.A.B.N.O. December 24, 2015
“Dr. Brian Lawenda is innovative in his approach to treating cancer patients. Dr. Lawenda is knowledgeable how an integrative approach can address many of the needs of the young adult survivor population. He was an excellent speaker on the benefits of integrative medicine at the 6th Annual Cancer Summit for Young Adults. His willingness to share his expertise was a great asset to the conference.”
– Alli Ward VP, Programs, Stupid Cancer December 24, 2015
“Over the last ten years, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with and get to know Dr. Lawenda, and I can sincerely say that he is an exceptional clinician. He truly understands the complex interplay of mind-body-spirit with conventional cancer treatments, complementary therapies and an anti-cancer lifestyle. He is thoughtful, compassionate and at the cutting edge of our field of integrative oncology.”
– Keith I. Block, MD Medical Director, Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment Author, Life Over Cancer December 24, 2015
"As a fellow healthcare professional, I was beyond impressed with my phone consultation experience with Dr. Brian Lawenda. I was completely blown away at how helpful and kind he was, as well as how prompt he was at getting back to me. Not only is Brian’s medical knowledge encyclopedic, he treats the whole person and takes time to be caring while obviously maintaining a very busy office practice. As a licensed healthcare professional, I care deeply about what I do-it’s not just a job for me. I sensed the same passion and commitment in Brian and feel lucky to have found him in my Internet research."
– Dianne Rockefeller, LMT, COMT, CKTP, CCT December 24, 2015
"Medical marijuana is a rarely spoken about topic, however, it has gained publicity and momentum in recent years. Dr. Lawenda thoroughly presented this topic and addressed what physicians need to know both now and in the future regarding counseling patients about the utility of medical marijuana. It is clear through his talk that he has done a widespread literature review on the topic and understands its role in both the physician community and in the lives of patients."
– Mohammad Jaradat, MD Chief Resident, Internal Medicine Residency, University of Nevada School of Medicine December 24, 2015
“Dear Dr. Lawenda, We wish to thank you for taking the time and flying in to speak at The 2015 Radiation Oncology Conference for Therapists & Dosimestrists in conjunction with The AAMD Region IV Meeting presented by Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. The responses to your presentation have been unanimously positive. Your knowledge, expertise and continuing pursuit to treat the whole person and educate the patient on how to get through their treatmwents, minimize the chance of recurrence and improve tgheir overall health, is more than commendable. You should be the role model to Radiation Oncologists; if not medical doctors in general. All of the information you shared with us was backed by research, and as you know, that is the key in implementing any kind of patient care in the clinic. So many of our attendees felt empowered by the lecture and some have begun to put some of the ideas you spoke about to use in their clinics. Your lecture made all of us who had the privileged to attend, better clinicians, better caregivers and better at take care of ourselves. Thank you. We look forward to inviting you back in the future.”
Patricia Chapin, RT(T) Annual Conference Co-Chair, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY December 24, 2015
“Dr. Lawenda is a unique radiation oncologist who specializes not only in radiation oncology, but also whole person care. He is a leading researcher in systems theory, and keeping well during the cancer journey. He is a leader for Integrative Oncology.”
– Stephen Mark Sagar BSC (Hons) MB BS MRCP FRCR FRCPC DABR professor, Department of Oncology, McMaster University, and Past President of the Society for Integrative Oncology December 24, 2015
“Dr. Lawenda is an exceptional practitioner of the art and science of integrative oncology. He is a superbly trained radiation oncologist with an astute grasp of the areas where complementary therapies truly complement best conventional practice. I immensely respect him as a scholar with his feet firmly planted in both the Western and Integrative camps.”
– Peter A.S. Johnstone M.D. FACR Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, Past President of the Society for Integrative Oncology December 24, 2015
“Dr. Lawenda is very unique among oncologists in that he is not only highly trained (Harvard Medical School/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) in Radiation Oncology, but also is an extremely knowledgeable in evidence-based integrative cancer care. Although I know Brian mainly as a colleague through the Society for Integrative Oncology, my experience and years in this field has shown me that there are very few quality Integrative Oncologists out there like him.”
– Moshe Frankel M.D. Founder and Director of Integrative Oncology Consultants, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and former chair of the Clinical Practice Committee of the Society of Integrative Oncology December 24, 2015
“Dr. Lawenda is an outstanding physician – scientist, a highly trained clinician grounded on evidence-based medicine but with real experience and insight into complementary healing. He never limits his expertise to cancer treatment per se and instead practices the type of personalized care that touches the whole life of each patient – and generously teaches his colleagues how to do the same.”
– Jeffrey Bloomberg PhD, FASN, FACN, CNS Professor, Nutrition Science and Policy, and Director, Antioxidants Research Laboratory, Tufts University, Boston Massachusetts December 24, 2015
“Dr. Lawenda is a leading pioneer in integrative oncology. There are a few radiation oncologists with Dr. Lawenda's knowledge of, and respect for, integrated strategies of diet, dietary supplementation and lifestyle management. Dr. Lawenda goes well beyond simply acknowledging the value of integrative treatments; he implement the strategies into his care plans for patients. Integrative Oncology is, in many ways, the future of oncology, and Dr. Lawenda is most certainly one of the physicians at the forefront of this evolution.”
– Lise Alschuler, FABNO Naturopathic Oncologist December 24, 2015
“Dr. Brian Lawenda is a godsend to cancer patients. Integrative oncologists are hard to come by, and Dr. Lawenda is one of a handful of physicians in the United States who is a radiation oncologist, medical acupuncturist as well as an exceptional integrative oncologist providing whole person, comprehensive care to his patients. He also takes the time to share advice via blogs which shows a genuine interest in not only his patients well-being but for all. In my role as a cancer strategist, I know how important this is to a cancer patient. Thank you for all you do, Dr. Lawenda.”
– Ellen Jacobs BS AS President of Ellen Jacobs Consulting, Executive Director, Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation and Creator and Host of the Survive and Live Well radio show December 24, 2015
“Dr. Lawenda is a modern day doctor – he practices the important skills of Integrative Oncology. As the founder and president of the Annie Appleseed Project, I can say that people with cancer really need these options, really need to know what to do to reduce toxicities and get well. Too few in Oncology have yet to open up to new ideas. Dr. Lawenda is really on the forefront of the next step, and I appreciate that. It is why we invited him to address the audience at the 7th Evidence-Based Complimentary and Alternative Cancer Therapies Conference, in 2013.”
– Ann Fonfa, Patient Advocate President, Annie Appleseed Project December 24, 2015
"By disseminating health information that rest solidly on scientific evidence and easily accessible to laypeople, Dr. Lawenda provides an invaluable service to anyone affected by cancer, be it patients, their caregivers or thrivers at all stages of their journey. Showing patients how they can reduce treatment side effects, regain energy and lower the risks of recurrence can be very empowering to people faced with a cancer diagnosis and who feel "out-of-control" of their health and their lives. Dr. Lawenda's openness towards complementary healing disciplines – e.g. acupuncture, herbal remedies, nutrition and mind-body practices – as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatments – radiation, chemotherapy and surgery – marks him out as a truly integrated practitioner. Not only is he on top of all the latest research in both domains, but he is generous enough to share his knowledge and time with the general public for the greater good.”
– Conner Middelmann-Whitney Anticancer Nutrition Coach and Health Writer December 24, 2015
Board certified radiation oncologist and integrative oncologist
Dr. Brian Lawenda talks about how integrative oncology is an important part of a cancer treatment plan. Integrative oncology uses conventional treatments like radiation therapy combined with alternative therapies like meditation, supplements, and acupuncture. Watch the video here | Article Here
Kennewick doctor explains the push for social distancing, ‘flattening the curve’
KENNEWICK, Wash. — As leaders continue shutting things to slow down the pandemic, you might be wondering why it’s so important not to go out.This graphic was created from data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to show why social distancing is so important. The first yellow ridge shows what daily outbreak numbers could look like if folks do nothing to slow the spread. The second one in purple shows a more gradual increase, with the dotted blue line being the current capacity of our healthcare system.
Kennewick doctor explains the push for social distancing, ‘flattening the curve’
KENNEWICK, Wash. — As leaders continue shutting things to slow down the pandemic, you might be wondering why it’s so important not to go out.This graphic was created from data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to show why social distancing is so important. The first yellow ridge shows what daily outbreak numbers could look like if folks do nothing to slow the spread. The second one in purple shows a more gradual increase, with the dotted blue line being the current capacity of our healthcare system.
Local doctor encouraging DIY personal protective equipment
KENNEWICK, Wash.– Personal protective equipment (PPE) is already hard to find but thanks to a Kennewick doctor’s Facebook group, you can make your own. After two weeks, Dr. Brian Lawenda’s group has over 2,000 members eagerly sharing ideas for the Do-it-Yourself (DIY) crowd. The medical director at the Northwest Cancer Clinic, Lawenda tells Action News he started the group because he saw great ideas for PPE getting lost in the fray. He says he wanted folks to have somewhere central to share ideas step-by-step.
Brian Lawenda Talks Vaccination & Covid-19
With all the conversations happing about the Covid-19 vaccination, one of the conversations that needs to happen is about the impact the vaccine has on cancer patients. Listen to Dr. Brian Lawenda with the Northwest Cancer Clinic to learn more about this. Then be sure to tune into the Wake Up Northwest Saturday 8am news for the Health and Wellness segment.