“Doing My Part in My Healing”: A Qualitative Study Exploring Integrative Oncology Practices Among African Americans with Cancer

Background: African Americans in the United States continue to experience disproportionate cancer mortality and lower survival across cancer types. Integrative oncology (IO) may help address symptom burden, treatment-related toxicities, and quality of life. However, African Americans remain underrepresented in IO research and may face barriers to access. Objectives: To explore experiences with and attitudes toward IO among African American adults with cancer and to assess interest in participating in IO research. Methods: We conducted a qualitative cross-sectional descriptive study with African American adults receiving cancer care in the San Francisco Bay Area. Data sources included 17 individual semi-structured interviews, one patient focus group (n=5), and one Community Advisory Board focus group (n=3). The patient focus group participants had previously completed interviews. Study participants had a median age of 53 years (range 32-66), 71% were women, and represented a range of cancer diagnoses, treatment experiences, educational backgrounds, and employment statuses. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory-informed thematic approach, with interviews and focus groups coded by source and integrated during thematic development. Results: Four themes were identified: (1) participants described cancer care within the context of interpersonal and structural racism; (2) participants used a broad range of integrative and complementary approaches; (3) despite high interest in IO, access was limited by lack of awareness, scheduling constraints, and cost; and (4) participants expressed strong interest in IO research, while emphasizing the importance of trust, transparency, and community benefit. Conclusion: African American adults with cancer expressed a strong interest in IO and IO research but described substantial barriers to access and participation. These findings underscore the need for more accessible, trustworthy, and culturally responsive approaches to IO delivery and research.