In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Summus team had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Chasse Bailey-Dorton, a Summus MD and leader in integrative oncology. In a deeply personal and educational session, Dr. Bailey-Dorton shared her own breast cancer journey and how it shaped her life’s work, helping others navigate cancer with compassion, evidence, and empowerment.
From Physician to Patient to Pioneer
At the age of 39, in the middle of a demanding medical career and raising three young children, Dr. Bailey-Dorton found a lump in her breast. She had no family history of cancer, but the diagnosis changed everything.
After enduring surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy, she emerged determined not only to heal herself but also to transform how survivorship and prevention were understood.
Her search for answers led her to the University of Arizona’s Integrative Medicine Fellowship, where she discovered new ways to support patients physically and emotionally. Today, she leads integrative oncology and survivorship programs in North Carolina and serves as a Summus MD, guiding members through diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer.
What is Integrative Oncology?
Dr. Bailey-Dorton describes integrative oncology as “patient-centered, evidence-informed care that happens alongside, not instead of, conventional treatment.”
It combines traditional therapies with proven complementary approaches, such as:
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Acupuncture
- Sleep support
- Stress management,
- And more
The goal of integrative oncology is to give patients control, reduce side effects, and strengthen overall well-being throughout the cancer journey.
Three Critical Phases of Care
She outlined three key moments when patients need the most support:
- At diagnosis and during treatment. Helping patients manage side effects, maintain strength, and navigate an overwhelming flow of information.
- At the end of treatment. When medical visits taper off and survivors often feel abandoned or fearful of recurrence.
- During long-term survivorship. Especially for those with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancers who are on anti-estrogen therapies and experience what Dr. Bailey-Dorton calls “super menopause,” with compounded symptoms affecting sleep, mood, and sexuality.
Across these stages, Dr. Bailey-Dorton emphasizes holistic healing—addressing not just the body, but the mind, relationships, and identity that cancer disrupts.
The Power of Education and Empowerment
A recurring theme in her talk: give patients back their sense of control.
Whether that means building muscle to improve outcomes, reevaluating supplements that could interfere with treatment, or creating safe spaces to talk about intimacy and body image—empowerment is essential.
We don’t lose muscle because we age—we age because we lose muscle.
– Dr. Chasse Bailey-Dorton, Summus Employee Webinar (Oct 2025)
She closed with a reminder that integrative oncology is not a luxury—it’s an evidence-based necessity that helps people not just survive cancer, but live well beyond it.
Key Takeaways from Dr Bailey-Dorton’s Story
Throughout her career, Dr. Bailey-Dorton has shown what’s possible when cancer care goes beyond treatment. Her message is clear:
- Patients need to be seen as whole people, not diagnoses. Integrative oncology focuses on body, mind, and spirit — addressing anxiety, fatigue, nutrition, and purpose alongside medical treatment.
- Connection and trust matter. A strong relationship between patient and clinician changes outcomes and restores hope.
- Clarity empowers confidence. When patients understand their options and feel supported by experts, they make better decisions about their care.
How Summus Brings These Lessons to Life
The vision behind Summus Oncology is deeply aligned with Dr. Bailey-Dorton’s philosophy. Built by physicians who’ve seen the gaps in cancer care firsthand, Summus Oncology puts the human connection back at the center of the experience and properly supports each member with clarity, compassion, and clinical excellence.
Through a doctor-led model, Summus helps members and their families:
- Get rapid access to top oncologists for second opinions and care planning.
- Receive whole-person guidance — not just on treatment choices, but also emotional well-being, symptom management, and life after cancer.
- Feel supported from day one by a dedicated Summus physician who ensures they’re confident and informed every step of the way.
As Dr. Bailey-Dorton reminds us, the goal of cancer care isn’t just survival — it’s helping people live well through and beyond cancer.
