Breast Cancer Experts Discuss Integrative Therapies

North Fork Breast Health Coalition hosts annual seminar on blending conventional and holistic treatments.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Breast cancer patients no longer have to choose between conventional treatment and complementary therapies, a panel of medical experts recently told North Fork residents at the second annual integrative care seminar in Riverhead. The event, hosted by the North Fork Breast Health Coalition, featured discussions on how natural health care practitioners use acupuncture, nutrition, herbs, meditation, reiki and yoga to complement traditional cancer treatments.

Why it matters

In New York, more than 17,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and nearly 4,500 die from the disease. The seminar aimed to empower patients by educating them on the range of integrative therapies available to support their conventional cancer treatment.

The details

The panel featured physicians and medical professionals from Memorial Sloan-Kettering, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone and Stony Brook Cancer Center. They discussed how complementary therapies like acupuncture, nutrition, herbs, meditation, reiki and yoga can be used to support traditional cancer treatments. The event also included a Tai Chi session led by Dr. Marilyn LoPresti, founder of North Fork Bodies in Motion.

  • The North Fork Breast Health Coalition's event took place on February 9, 2026 in Riverhead, New York.

The players

Dr. Lisa Sclafani

A 35-year specialist in surgical oncology with a special focus on breast surgery and breast cancer.

Dr. Marilyn LoPresti

The founder of North Fork Bodies in Motion (NFBHC), a nonprofit organization that supports local breast cancer patients.

Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski

The president of the North Fork Breast Health Coalition, a nonprofit organization that supports local breast cancer patients with programs and services.

Ann Cotton-DeGrasse

A co-founder of the North Fork Breast Health Coalition, along with the late Antonio DeGrasse, with the help of the Riverhead Rotary Club.

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What they’re saying

“By coming and learning about these different therapies and learning which things might help to get that knowledge of what is available and what might help is going to give [patients] more power.”

— Dr. Lisa Sclafani, Surgical Oncologist (Times Review)

The takeaway

This seminar highlights the growing trend of integrative cancer care, where patients can access a range of complementary therapies to support their conventional treatment. By educating patients on the available options, the North Fork Breast Health Coalition is empowering them to take a more active role in their care and improve their overall well-being during their cancer journey.