Mark Fontes, ND

08/15/2025

Supportive Cancer Care: My Approach as a Naturopathic Doctor

When I work with patients, my role is to support you through every step of your journey.

That means:

*Personalized supportive care – minimizing risk and intensity of side effects, improving energy, and supporting immune function during treatment and in recovery.

*Look at all the options available – I discuss what I’ve seen work in my clinical experience, what other patients have found helpful, and how we can integrate evidence-based natural approaches alongside conventional medicine.

*Discuss the latest research – I stay up to date on new developments in oncology—whether that’s emerging therapies, new treatment combinations, or clinical trial results—so you can make informed choices and ask the right questions.

*Collaboration is key – I encourage open dialogue with your oncology team so that we are all on the same page.

Your story, your goals, and your values matter in creating the right plan for your health and healing.

05/28/2025

Honoured to have been a part of the second Hope Happens Here retreat in beautiful PEI. A weekend organized for 30 cancer thrivers, each with their unique story and lived experience with cancer, coming together for support and inspiration. All organized by the founders of Hope Happens Here, Michelle Hughes and Jennie Arsenault.

I was also able to join Michelle on her new podcast - where we discuss her story, why I chose to become a naturopathic doctor and why naturopathic medicine is an integral part of cancer care. We also answered several questions we received online. Will share the link once it’s posted!

06/07/2024

Towards the end of a consult with a new patient a common question is: “So, what do I tell my oncologist?”

My answer: everything that we discussed today.

Admittedly, there is a lot to unpack with that question that we’ll discuss in the visit. Maybe the oncologist has made a remark before about naturopathic doctors, supplements or herbal medicine in a previous visit; or there is a concern of what the response will be like from their medical team when the information from our visit is shared; or that this will somehow impact the ongoing doctor patient relationship that has been established.

All valid concerns. But there is a lot that can be done.

My personal goal in practice and in supportive cancer care is to not have patients feeling like they’re stuck in the middle of a decision, and to feel confident in speaking with their medical team about their preferences in how they want to approach their health.

I’ve spoken to many oncologists and once our plan is clarified and explained there is an understanding about the intention and purpose in the recommendations and also the safety in incorporating them. Sometimes it’s actually not the oncologist but the pharmacist that I need to speak to about a patients plan.

There is research and clinical experience behind each recommendation that is made. When this is shared and explained, then we can all move towards what everyone’s goal is - providing excellent patient centred care for the best outcome.

05/26/2024

Thank you for having me at your amazing retreat in PEI ! @ arsenaultjennie congratulations on creating such a powerful healing space and community for this group of cancer thrivers. Loved all the questions, conversations and words of hope and strength that were shared.

01/10/2023

Published in the National Post today! Thank you Robin Roberts for writing a well balanced article that highlights the important role Naturopathic Doctors have in our healthcare system.

Swipe for some of my quotes and the link to full article is in my bio.

11/22/2022

Important, and timely, information on how to manage a child’s fever from McMaster Children’s Hospital (link in bio).

I have been seeing many parents looking for guidance and support on caring for their kids right now. Recommendations I discuss to consider include:
-Nutrition: especially adequate protein based on body weight
-Hydration: electrolytes may be required depending on age, symptoms and overall food and water intake
-Immune supportive and anti-microbial herbs and supplements to aid in minimizing symptoms and duration of illness
-Rest! A cold or fever can disrupt sleep quality and duration and this needs to be addressed

*Always speak to your healthcare provider on the best plan for your child.

07/26/2022

Supportive cancer care: different meaning for each patient

It isn’t uncommon in some of my new visits to have enough time to go over all naturopathic therapies available for a patient.

This is because we are reviewing their medications, imaging reports and labwork so the patient is fully informed and understands what their oncologists are looking at.

A patient recently asked me to review her chemotherapy regimen. She asked how other patients did with the treatment and what their experience was like. It’s so important to feel comfortable and confident in any treatment decision. With this confidence and understanding patients do better and feel better while undergoing treatment.

02/04/2022

Insight Naturopathic Clinic] Today is . Cancer touches us all. We must recognize that barriers that exist for many patients to access the cancer care that they deserve. It's time to . ⁠
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At Insight Naturopathic Clinic], .jillshainhouse.nd and are passionate care providers to patients living with or who have a history of cancer. They help patients navigate the journey, integrate and between conventional and naturopathic schools of thought.⁠
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11/05/2021

Incredibly honoured to be asked to speak at the yearly Sick Kids Hospital Oncology Conference in February 2022. Thankful for the oncologists I’ve collaborated with who made this happen. And importantly to the patients and parents I’ve seen who ask for an integrative approach to their care.

Now I have 20 minutes to share the benefits in what I’ve seen firsthand in 10+ years in practice, discuss up to date research on supportive care recommendations, and you better believe I’ll make every minute count!

10/28/2021