Long-term Breast Cancer Survivors’ Use of Complementary Therapies: Perceived Impact on Recovery and Prevention of Recurrence

Abstract

Results: Most of the respondents were older than 50, were Caucasian, were married, had attended or completed college, and were at least 5 years after breast cancer treatment. The most commonly used CTs included exercise, vitamins, prayer/spiritual practice, support groups, humor, self-help books, and relaxation. These survivors used CT therapies because they wanted to play a more active role in their cancer recovery, to manage stress, and to maintain hope. A majority of them reported that they used CT to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Use of CT was not correlated with life satisfaction. Conclusions: Most of the breast cancer survivors in this study had used some form of CT since the time of their most recent cancer diagnosis and believed that such therapies could be of significant benefit, despite a lack of correlation between CT use and current life satisfaction. Many believed that use of CT may prevent cancer recurrence. It is important, therefore, to investigate the efficacy of various CTs among longer-term cancer survivors, especially with regard to their potential in preventing cancer recurrence.

The Role of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine): The Different Perspectives of Patients, Oncology Professionals and CAM Practitioners

“…In this study, women with breast cancer perceived that CAM plays a supportive role for patients with cancer and this is consistent with the findings of international studies which have identified symptom/side effect relief (Cui et al, 2004, Hann et al, 2005, Lengacher et al, 2006, Molassiotis et al, 2006, psychological stress relief (Hann et al, 2005;Henderson & Donatelle, 2004;Lengacher et al, 2006) and a desire for greater control (Chen et al, 2008;Cui et al, 2004;Hann et al, 2005, Henderson & Donatelle, 2004 as the primary reasons for CAM use among women with breast cancer. Importantly, in allowing patients to provide greater detail regarding their experience of CAM therapies and their perceptions of the role of CAM, this study has allowed greater insight into the significance of CAM for patients.…”

Lesson From Comparison of CAM Use by Women With Female-Specific Cancers to Others: It's Time to Focus on Interaction Risks With CAM Therapies

“…Six of these, published in 1999 to 2001, [14][15][16][17][18][19] are summarized in an article by Lengacher et al 20 An additional review of 13 studies published from 2002 to 2006 is summarized in Table 1. [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] Upon review, certain patterns, associations, and predictors of CAM use emerge as commonalities for women with breast cancer. In all of the studies that examined demographic associations with CAM use, women were younger 14,21 and had more education.…”

A population‐based study of prevalence of complementary methods use by cancer survivors

“…21,22 Most studies involve patients in active treatment, 11,18,20,[22][23][24] although a small number have explored CM use among limited groups of survivors. 5,15,25,26 Although this information is valuable, little research has explored CM use by survivors of less common cancers or those not treated at major cancer centers. Population-based information on the prevalence and demographic associations of CM use by cancer survivors can influence clinicians' priorities in informing their patients regarding the benefits and risks of CMs, can help prioritize research investigating the efficacy and safety of CMs, and might guide educational outreach to population segments with low utilization of evidence-based CM interventions.…”

“…Typically, sample sizes are relatively small and inadequately powered for multivariable analyses of factors associated with patterns of use. Many studies have focused on a single cancer type, primarily breast [14][15][16][17] or prostate cancer, [18][19][20] or a small number of the most common cancer types. 21,22 Most studies involve patients in active treatment, 11,18,20,[22][23][24] although a small number have explored CM use among limited groups of survivors.…”