Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Individuals Presenting for Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

Abstract

Purpose: To define the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in individuals presenting for care at a comprehensive cancer center. Patients and Methods: A total of 17 639 individuals presenting to an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (and consortium sites) completed a questionnaire regarding CAM use. Data were analyzed using the univariate χ2 test to assess CAM use associated with a number of variables, including cancer status, age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, race, employment, and education level. Results: Eighty-seven percent of individuals who completed the CAM survey acknowledged CAM therapy use within the previous 12 months. Of the 5 broad categories of CAM, the most commonly used were biologically based approaches (14 759/17 639 [83.67%]), mind-body interventions (4624/17 485 [26.45%]), manipulative and body-based therapies (3957/17 537 [22.56%]), alternative medical systems (429/15 952 [2.69%]), and energy therapies (270/15 872 [1.7%]). CAM use was more prevalent among women, non-Hispanics, Caucasians, patients 60 to 69 years of age, and those who are married, have a higher level of education, and are employed (P < .005). Conclusions: This is the largest report of CAM use in individuals presenting for care at a comprehensive cancer center. Our analysis revealed that a very high percentage of patients utilize CAM. Because many of these CAM interventions are not studied in oncology patients, additional research on safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action are essential. Furthermore, it is important that oncologists understand CAM modalities and counsel their patients about their use.

Use of biologically-based complementary medicine in breast and gynecological cancer patients during systemic therapy

“…Interestingly, the percentage can be up to 90% in subgroups of cancer patients [ 11 ]. Looking at characteristics for CAM users, the data shows that female sex, young age, higher educational level and a non-metastatic disease is more often associated with CAM use [ 20 , 21 ] In summary, terminology, definition and also the therapy phase is relevant for a systematic analysis of complementary health approaches in cancer patients.…”

Open to Exploration? Association of Personality Factors With Complementary Therapy Use After Breast Cancer Treatment

“…The prevalence of CT use in the present study (94%) was much higher than the prevalence reported in the 2012 meta-analysis, though similar to prevalence rates reported in recent studies from the United States. 10 - 12 This could be related to self-selection of study participants who enrolled in a study that included mind-body therapies. Furthermore, the demographic characteristics of the present sample—female sex and breast cancer diagnoses—are both linked to higher rates of CT use.…”

“… 3 Several recent studies published since then have found similarly high rates of CT use 4 - 8 or higher. 1 , 9 - 12 Cancer survivors have reported several reasons for CT use, including alleviating side effects of treatment, improving health/healing/immune function, wanting control, and improving emotional/psychological functioning. 13 - 15 However, decision making regarding CT use is dynamic and tends to change throughout the trajectory of the illness.…”

Assessing the Quality of Websites Relating to Complementary and Integrative Health: A Review of Five Domains (Preprint)

“…The Centers for Disease Control reports that 38% of adults in United States have used one or more complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices in a 12-month period [3]. CAM use has been reported to be as high as 87% among cancer patients [4]. Previous research has also reported substantial use of CAM for particular conditions including lower back pain [5], gastrointestinal diseases [6], and cardiovascular disease [7].…”

“…Previous studies of CIH have employed a classification system with five types [4,29,33]. We selected one modality in each of the five: acupuncture (whole systems), homeopathy (biologic), massage therapy (manipulative), reiki (energy medicine), and yoga (mind-body).…”