Around the world, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists are turning to evidence-based integrative approaches such as acupuncture, yoga, exercise, massage, and nutrition counseling to help people with cancer manage the harsh side effects of treatment, according to the results of a recent survey.
The new research shows just how widespread that shift has become and how much work remains to make these therapies accessible to all. The data was published by Chan et al in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.
Investigators surveyed more than 300 oncology professionals from the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) and the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) across eight regions. About 70% of respondents said they had used or recommended at least one integrative approach to help patients manage cancer-related symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, and gastrointestinal distress.
Acupuncture (48%), exercise classes (39%), nutrition (38%), breathing/yoga (38%), and personalized exercise (38%) were among the most utilized integrative oncology modalities.
Despite this widespread support, nearly 80% of respondents said these services remain underused in cancer care. Cost, lack of insurance coverage, and limited training opportunities were cited as major obstacles, particularly in parts of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where access is lowest. Most patients still pay for these services out of pocket. Training opportunities were most available in North America.
Use of modalities also varied by income of the region. In high-income countries, patients were most likely to be recommended acupuncture, exercise, massage, and individual exercise; in low- and middle-income countries, the most recommended modalities were nutrition counseling, exercise classes, breathing, and acupuncture.
The research was led by Alexandre Chan, PharmD, PhD, MPH, Professor and Founding Chair of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice at the University of California Irvine’s School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences.
“We found that cancer professionals across the globe value these approaches not as alternatives but as essential modalities to work alongside conventional cancer care,” Dr. Chan said. “At the same time, the inequities we identified show that too many patients still face barriers to getting the support they need to heal not only physically but emotionally and spiritually.”
The study focused specifically on managing symptoms that occur either during active treatment or after therapy through an integrated approach. It explored how supportive care including acupuncture, exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness can help patients cope with physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that often persist long after cancer treatment ends.
By gathering data from clinicians in eight regions through MASCC and SIO, the investigators were able to create a road map for improving patient-centered care. The authors recommended expanding training programs across medical, nursing, and pharmacy schools to ensure that future clinicians are equipped to safely and effectively implement integrative practices.
The findings also highlighted opportunities for health-care organizations, educators, and policymakers to develop funding mechanisms, training programs, and policy frameworks that promote equitable, evidence-based supportive care for all patients with cancer.
Disclosure: For full disclosures of the study authors, visit link.springer.com.
