How this AI platform is improving low-cost access to cancer care

A new AI platform wants to improve outcomes for cancer patients and help organizations support their workforce, while  keeping healthcare costs low. 

Seventy-two percent of large employers surveyed by Business Group on Health  said they are seeing a higher prevalence of cancer among their workers and their families. This is a call to action for benefit managers to provide a better cancer care system for everyone, with new technology at the forefront. 

"Cancer is consistently rated among the highest cost drivers for healthcare expenses for employers," says Trupti Mukker, co-founder and COO at Complement 1, a healthcare startup. "Cancer doesn't just impact individuals — it affects entire workplaces." 

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Complement 1's program was developed by oncologists and cancer exercise experts in partnership with the American Institute for Cancer Research. Users can input their cancer type, treatment, side effects and lifestyle directly into the program, which is equipped with over 3,600 scenarios to meet the needs of the patient. A plan is then created using AI technology tailored to their situation, focusing on exercise, nutrition and mind-body practices. Patients also have access to one-on-one lifestyle coaching with trained health professionals. 

The program, which can be added to existing healthcare benefit offerings, is designed to work alongside patients' oncology care — not replace it, according to Mukker. While past oncology innovations have traditionally focused on diagnostics and therapeutics, Complement 1 aims to tackle the behavioral side of cancer care, an area lacking in support.  

"Research shows that lifestyle modifications can significantly improve cancer-related health outcomes," Mukker says. "Yet currently, most health plans don't offer much towards daily lifestyle modifications beyond the hospital or survivorship clinics, which have extremely low frequency and adherence rates." 

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Complement 1's users are already demonstrating a high engagement in the platform — as a result, members have reported 37% fewer treatment side effects, 18% less pain and 27% better sleep. 

Improved quality of life and member satisfaction can reduce ER visits, hospitalizations and readmissions, which translates directly into better outcomes and lower costs for health plans, according to Mukker. For example, the platform has led to up to a 30% reduction in costs, which is significantly impactful when cancer is the top driver of employer healthcare spend. Presenteeism rates have also decreased as a result, improving employee performance overall.

Additionally, the platform follows a value-based care mode which, unlike traditional fee-for-service models, incentivizes providers to offer high-quality patient care by being rewarded for achieving specific quality measures and patient outcomes. 

"It's amazing to see how AI is becoming such a helpful tool in the world of healthcare," Mukker says. "It helps build a more compassionate, resilient culture. In a time when employees are really evaluating how supported they feel at work, that can make all the difference."