Why Banksia?

The banksia was chosen as a symbol of resilience, connection and renewal.

Native to Australia, banksias are known for their ability to endure and regenerate through changing conditions. Made up of many small individual flowers, they also represent the coming together of different forms of support.

This reflects our philosophy of bridging conventional and complementary approaches to provide thoughtful, evidence-informed care for people affected by cancer.

What is Integrative Oncology?

Integrative oncology is defined as a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments.

Integrative oncology aims to optimise health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during, and beyond cancer treatment.

Provided by naturopaths experienced in integrative oncology

Who we support

what we offer

what to expect

What else are people with cancer looking for when they come to the website?

What is involved in an integrative oncology consult?

1) Comprehensive case assessment

A detailed review of your diagnosis, pathology, treatment plan, medications, supplements, symptoms, laboratory results, nutrition, lifestyle and broader health history.

2) Personalised nutrition therapy

Nutrition strategies tailored to support nutritional status, metabolic health, inflammation, treatment tolerance, body composition and overall wellbeing.

3) Herbal and nutritional medicine

Individualised recommendations for herbal and nutritional medicines selected with consideration of your diagnosis, treatment stage, current medications, biochemistry and safety.

4) Targeted supplementation

Strategic use of supplements where appropriate to support nutrient status, immune function, treatment tolerance, recovery, mitochondrial health and symptom support.

5) Functional and integrative testing

Review of existing pathology and consideration of additional testing where clinically appropriate. This may include nutritional assessment, genetics, gut health, hormones, neurotransmitters or other functional testing.

6) Lifestyle and mind–body medicine

Evidence-informed approaches to support nervous system regulation, movement, sleep, stress management, emotional wellbeing and recovery.

7) Ongoing treatment review and adaptation

Recommendations evolve over time and may be adjusted as your health status, goals and medical treatment change.

All recommendations are developed with full consideration of your current medical care and, where appropriate, in collaboration with your healthcare team.

Jessica Berry - Specialist Cancer Nurse & Founder

Jessica is a Registered Nurse with more than 10 years of experience across cancer care, research, education and service leadership. Her experience spans medical oncology, haematology, bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, clinical trials and cancer nursing education across specialist cancer services. She has contributed to cancer research, education and service development throughout her career.

She founded Banksia Integrative Oncology Support to help bridge conventional and complementary approaches to cancer care in a way that is evidence-informed, collaborative and person-centred.

Jessica has undertaken additional professional development in integrative oncology and is currently completing a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy). While she completes her studies, naturopathic consultations are delivered by qualified naturopaths with additional oncology training and experience.

Qualifications & Professional Development

Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (Research) - The University of Melbourne
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Intensive Care) - Australian Catholic University
Graduate Certificate in Oncology & Palliative Care - La Trobe University
Bachelor of Nursing - Australian Catholic University
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) (in progress) - Torrens University Australia
PROSPER Practitioner Training - Integrative Oncology