Correlates and patterns of using complementary health approaches among individuals with recent and longer-term cancer diagnoses: a US national cross-sectional study.

A large national study examined how cancer survivors use complementary health approaches like acupuncture, massage, and meditation. Researchers analyzed data from over 26,500 American adults in 2022, comparing people recently diagnosed with cancer, those diagnosed years ago, and people without cancer. The study found that about 40% of cancer survivors use some form of complementary therapy. Cancer survivors were more likely to use these approaches than people without cancer—those recently diagnosed were 37% more likely, and long-term survivors were 14% more likely to use complementary therapies. Among cancer survivors, mind-body practices like meditation and yoga were most commonly used for general health and wellness, while therapies like acupuncture and massage were used both for general health and specifically for pain management. The study revealed that certain groups were more likely to use complementary approaches: women, younger individuals, and those with higher education and income levels. This suggests that not all cancer survivors have equal access to these therapies, which may be a concern given their potential benefits. The findings highlight that complementary approaches are widely used by cancer survivors and may play an important role in managing symptoms and supporting overall health during and after cancer treatment. If you're a cancer survivor considering acupuncture as part of your care plan, discuss it with your oncology team and seek a licensed acupuncturist with experience in cancer care.

This cross-sectional analysis of 26,523 US adults from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey examined complementary health approach utilization patterns among cancer survivors. Prevalence of any complementary approach use was approximately 40% among recent cancer diagnoses and 38% among non-recent diagnoses, similar to non-cancer populations. However, adjusted regression models revealed significantly higher odds of use among recent cancer survivors (OR=1.37, p<0.05) and longer-term survivors (OR=1.14, p<0.05) compared to those without cancer history. Mind-body practices were predominantly used for general wellness, while manipulative body-based approaches (including acupuncture) served dual purposes of general health maintenance and pain management. Significant sociodemographic disparities emerged, with female sex, younger age, higher education, and increased income associated with greater utilization. Clinical implications include recognizing the high prevalence of complementary approach integration among cancer patients and addressing potential access barriers for underserved populations. Further research on effectiveness, optimal integration protocols, and equity in access is warranted.