High use of complementary and alternative medicine among a large cohort of women with a family history of breast cancer: the Sister Study

Abstract

Purpose Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is high among U.S. women, yet information is limited on use among women at increased breast cancer risk. We analyzed CAM use among women with a family history of breast cancer. Methods CAM use was analyzed among women enrolled 2003–2009 in the Sister Study cohort. Eligible women were age 35–74, U.S. or Puerto Rican residents, no personal history of breast cancer, and had ≥1 sister with breast cancer. Baseline data on CAM use in the past year was available for 49,734 women. Logistic regression models examined the association between CAM use and Gail Model breast cancer risk score. Results were compared to female participants in the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (n=7,965). Results Among Sister Study participants, there was high use of vitamin/mineral supplements (78.8%), mind/body practices (41.4%), manipulative/body-based practices (31.5%), and botanicals (22.8%). Overall use was higher than the U.S. female population. No association was observed between familial breast cancer risk and CAM use. Black women were more likely to use spirituality/meditation-based CAM modalities, while non-Hispanic white and Asian women were high users of dietary supplements. Conclusions In a cohort of women with increased breast cancer risk due to family history, CAM use is higher than women in the general U.S. population and is associated with race/ethnicity. Use was not associated with breast cancer risk. Given the high prevalence of CAM use among women at risk for breast caner, research on the effectiveness of CAM use for disease prevention is needed.

The effects of uro-oncology nursing education on quality of life in patients with prostate cancer

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Complementary and integrative care practices in symptom management in breast cancer patients

“…When patients do not reach the expected treatment goals, they begin to look for alternative methods. In a study conducted in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, it was determined that 87% of the patients were using CIC; these practices were patient-applied practices such as dietary supplements (70%), vitamin and mineral supplements (36%), herbal products (42%), other natural products (41%), mind-body based applications (71%), yoga and meditation (24%) and specialist applications such as massage, acupuncture and reiki [14]. When the high usage rate and the distribution of the methods used is considered; it is seen that patients apply methods that may not be safe (such as herbal products) after deciding on their own.…”

Acceptability and Use of Mind-Body Interventions Among African American Cancer Survivors: An Integrative Review

“…Practices that focus on meditation, relaxation, and spirituality are the common forms of mind-body medicine used by African Americans, especially women. 9 , 12 , 13 A nationwide survey of women with a family history of breast cancer found that African American women were more likely to use CAM practices with meditation or spiritual components, comprising 45.9% of users. 13 Another survey found that AACS are more likely than white cancer survivors to use relaxation techniques, and interest and self-guided use of CAM is high across cancer survivors of various minority backgrounds.…”

“… 9 , 12 , 13 A nationwide survey of women with a family history of breast cancer found that African American women were more likely to use CAM practices with meditation or spiritual components, comprising 45.9% of users. 13 Another survey found that AACS are more likely than white cancer survivors to use relaxation techniques, and interest and self-guided use of CAM is high across cancer survivors of various minority backgrounds. 9 Mind-body interventions that focus on stress reduction or psychotherapy may be helpful for female African Americans, who face additional stressors associated with cultural or gendered expectations.…”