Complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer survivors: a population-based study

Abstract

Introduction The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer survivors is high, yet less is known about reasons behind such use or the communication of CAM with conventional medical providers. Methods Cross-sectional, multivariate logistic regression models were developed to evaluate the similarities and differences between cancer survivors and non-cancer controls in the 2007 National Health Interview Survey with 23,393 participants, including 1,471 cancer survivors. Results Among cancer survivors, 66.5% reported ever using CAM and 43.3% having used CAM in the past year. When compared with the general population, cancer survivors used CAM more often for general disease prevention, immune enhancement, and for pain (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.27, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.10-1.48; AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05-1.62; AOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.05-1.92, respectively). Cancer survivors were more likely to use CAM because of recommendations from their provider (AOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.26-1.88) and were more likely to disclose their CAM use to their provider (AOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.22-1.72). Discussions/Conclusions When compared to the general population, cancer survivors were more likely to use CAM and communicate this use with providers, indicating a growing integration of CAM in conventional medical care. Implications for Cancer Survivors Cancer survivors are more likely than the general population to communicate CAM use with providers, suggesting greater integration of CAM use in conventional care. However, the majority of CAM use is still not being communicated to providers, indicating an important area for improvement in patient-centered care.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Patients with Gynecologic Cancer: a Systematic Review

“…In studies which are carried out on overall cancer patients, patients stated that they use CAM with the purpose of protecting from other diseases and strengthen their immune system (Richirdson et al, 2004;Mao et al, 2011). According to this, it is seen that cancer patients use CAM not for medical treatment of the disease but as a supportive treatment with the purpose of eliminating symptoms, reducing side effects and strengthening immune system.…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Benefit Finding Among Cancer Patients

“…4 The typical reasons for utilizing CAM interventions are the promotion of wellness, disease prevention, and symptom management (hot flashes, pain, insomnia, etc.). 1 Recently researchers have turned their attention to psychological and spiritual reasons for choosing CAM. The need to lessen feelings of helplessness and to ''do something'' to better manage persistent symptoms or to potentially influence future cancer risk appears to be particularly important in the period following chemotherapy or radiotherapy.…”

“…1 CAM, as defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), is a diverse group of medical and health-care systems, practices, and products that may not yet be incorporated into conventional medicine. 2 The types of treatments or therapies that are considered part of CAM can be organized into the following categories: natural products (herbs, vitamins, minerals); mind/body medicine (meditation, yoga); body-based approaches (massage, chiropractic); whole medical systems (acupuncture, Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy), and energy healing (reiki).…”

The Unsuspecting CAM User: Cancer patients and the changing nature of holistic health

“…Patient self-reporting to physicians of CAM use varies by cancer site, gender and other factors; from little to no reporting to as many as half of cancer patients reporting (Mao et al, 2011 andYates et al 2005). Breast and ovarian cancer survivors are reported to be the most likely to use CAM (Gansler et al, 2008).…”