Integrative and Supportive Oncology Show Promise for Young Women with Breast Cancer

Each year, an estimated 7 percent of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients worldwide are women aged 40 or younger. Complications of breast cancer diagnoses among young women can be incredibly challenging and impact women’s ability to raise families, navigate relationships, or advance in their careers and education, all while facing cancer treatment decisions.

Conducted by LCI's departments of Supportive Oncology and Surgical Oncology, in partnership with the Sandra Levine Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program, important clinical research is currently shedding light on the power of integrative and supportive oncology to mitigate negative side effects of breast cancer treatment and to potentially lower the risk of cancer recurrence.

Published on the cover of Cancer Network medical journal ONCOLOGY last fall, LCI’s study focused on 64 young women who underwent breast cancer treatment and simultaneously received integrative oncology consultations between 2014 and 2019. Of the patients studied, 98 percent received chemotherapy and 95 percent underwent surgery. Researchers found that integrative approaches were most often used to counter side effects of treatment, such as hot flashes, heart palpitations, and anxiety, and to lower the risk of cancer recurrence.

This and future studies by physicians at LCI will help to define how to best support young women as they go through treatment, enabling patients to maintain physical and emotional wellbeing, and increasing the chance of positive outcomes.

To learn more about LCI’s Supportive and Integrative Oncology programs supported by Atrium Health Foundation, visit: AtriumHealthFoundation.org/IntegrativeOncology

Use of Integrative Oncology Services Among Young Women with Breast Cancer*

23% of patients utilized Acupuncture

30% of patients utilized Oncology Massage

28% of patients utilized Healing Touch of patients took part in other modalities including music or art therapy, meditation, yoga, spiritual care, and nutrition counseling.

69%

75% of interventions were initiated while the women were undergoing standard cancer treatment.