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"Doing My Part in My Healing": A Qualitative Study Exploring Integrative Oncology Practices Among African Americans
Chanda L Williams1, Adrienne Yang2, Serena Gilmore2
1UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health, San Francisco, US.
Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health
|July 24, 2026
Summary
African Americans with cancer want integrative oncology (IO) but face access barriers. More research is needed to ensure equitable access to these supportive cancer care options.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Health Disparities
Background:
- African Americans experience higher cancer mortality and lower survival rates.
- Integrative oncology (IO) can improve symptom management and quality of life for cancer patients.
- African Americans are underrepresented in IO research and face access challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore African American adults' experiences and attitudes toward integrative oncology.
- To assess interest in participating in integrative oncology research among this population.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews and focus groups.
- Involved 17 individual interviews and 2 focus groups (5 patients, 3 Community Advisory Board members).
- Grounded theory-informed thematic analysis of integrated data sources.
Main Results:
- Participants linked cancer care experiences to interpersonal and structural racism.
- A wide range of integrative and complementary therapies were utilized.
- High interest in IO was noted, but access was limited by awareness, scheduling, and cost.
- Strong interest in IO research was expressed, contingent on trust, transparency, and community benefit.
Conclusions:
- African American adults with cancer show significant interest in IO and related research.
- Substantial barriers to access and participation in IO exist for this demographic.
- There is a critical need for accessible, trustworthy, and culturally relevant IO delivery and research strategies.
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