Terrain-based cancer care is a more holistic and personalized way of looking at cancer treatment. Instead of just focusing on killing cancer cells with therapies such as chemo or radiation, this approach works with and supports the “terrain” — which is the internal environment of your body. Think of it like gardening: if the soil is healthy, weeds are less likely to take over. In this case, the “soil” is your body, and the goal is to create conditions that don't support cancer.

What makes this approach different is that it looks at the whole picture — not just the tumor. It takes into account aspects of health such as inflammation, immune function, hormone levels, toxic exposure, gut health, blood sugar, and even stress and sleep patterns. Dr. Jackson will run detailed tests to determine where your body might be out of balance. Then she will create a plan just for you, which will include changing your diet, stress management, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, taking certain supplements or medications, and improving sleep. It’s all about supporting your body’s natural ability to fight cancer and heal.

Beyond the Terrain

Terrain-Based Medicine asks an important question: What is happening in the internal environment that may be influencing health and disease?

Over the years of working with patients, I have come to believe that another question belongs beside this one: How well is the body able to adapt and respond to what it encounters?

This concept—known as adaptive capacity—has increasingly influenced the way I think about terrain, regulation, the tumor microenvironment, and ultimately cancer biology.

Being told that developing cancer is just "bad genes" or "bad luck", and there is nothing you can do about it.

Lacking agency in your own health journey, and being expected to comply with therapies that may cause more harm than good.

Having a "cookie cutter" treatment plan or protocol that does not take into account your individual needs.

Being told that toxic therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation are your only options for treatment, and that modern advancements in cancer therapies are the key to recovery and survival.

Discovering that cancer can be a controllable process influenced by manageable factors and tools with the right guidance.

Empowering yourself with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions aligned with your intuition and individual needs.

Receiving a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual diagnosis, medical history, and detailed lab assessment.

Understanding that while some cases of cancer respond well to standard of care therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, many modern and expensive drug treatments can cause debilitating side effects and only extend life by an average of 2.1 months. Yes, you read that correctly.

A Terrain-Based Approach to Integrative Cancer Care

Cancer doesn't develop in isolation. By understanding and supporting the internal environment—the terrain—we can identify opportunities to strengthen health, resilience, and the body's capacity to adapt.

What is a Terrain-Based Approach to Cancer Care?

Conventional Oncology Experience vs. a Terrain-Based Experience