Online Survey of Cancer Patients on Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is often used by cancer patients, yet, communication with the oncologist is poor. The objective of our study was to gather information on patients' usage of CAM, source of information, and aims, in order to derive strategies to improve the communication between physicians and patients on this topic. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted by linking a standardized questionnaire to the largest internet portal for cancer patients in Germany. The questionnaire addresses CAM usage, disclosure to physicians, source of information, objectives for using CAM, and perceived reasons for cancer. Results: Of 170 participants, 77% were currently using CAM. Disclosure to a physician was rather high with 63% having informed their oncologist. Asked whether the oncologist took time to discuss CAM, 74% answered ‘no'. Most frequently used are biologically based therapies, relaxation techniques, prayer, and meditation. Most patients want to reduce side effects, boost their immune system, and get active. Almost half the participants had positive experiences with some type of CAM before they fell ill. Conclusion: Understanding patients' concepts of the etiology of cancer and accepting their goals for using CAM may help oncologists communicate with their patients and guide them to a safe use of CAM.

Beweggründe von Krebspatienten für und gegen die Inanspruchnahme der Misteltherapie

“…Die Beweggründe für oder gegen eine Inanspruchnahme der Misteltherapie ließen sich den übergeordneten Kategorien «Wahrgenommene Indikation» und «Abwägungen bei der Entscheidungsfindung» zuordnen. Der Prozentsatz an Anwendern in unserer Studie entspricht der aktuellsten Studie zur Nutzung von KM durch Krebspatienten in Deutschland [12]. …”

“…Auch in einer Studie von 1998, die die Inanspruchnahme von KM bei Krebspatienten, deren Motivation für die Inanspruchnahme und Erwartungen an die KM untersuchte, war die Misteltherapie mit 61,6% das meistverwendete KM-Verfahren [7]. Anscheinend hat jedoch der Anteil an Patienten, die zur Misteltherapie greifen, im zeitlichen Verlauf stark abgenommen [8,9,10,11,12]. In einer Online-Befragung von 2011, die damit die aktuellste Erhebung der Inanspruchnahme von KM in Deutschland darstellt, nutzten nur etwa 15% der 80 befragten Brustkrebs-Patientinnen [11] bzw.…”

“…In einer Online-Befragung von 2011, die damit die aktuellste Erhebung der Inanspruchnahme von KM in Deutschland darstellt, nutzten nur etwa 15% der 80 befragten Brustkrebs-Patientinnen [11] bzw. 22% der Gesamtstichprobe von 170 Krebspatienten [12] die Misteltherapie. …”

Traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine: Focusing on research into traditional Tibetan medicine in China

“…A meta-analysis indicated an increase in TCAM use for patients with cancer from an estimated 25% in the 1970s and 1980s to more than 32% in the 1990s and to 49% after 2000 (6). Data from recent studies have indicated that the rate of TCAM use is 77% or even higher (7)(8)(9).…”

Development and Validation of a Standardized Questionnaire and Standardized Diary for Use in Integrative Medicine Consultations in Gynecologic Oncology

“…However, there is no standard in the literature outlining the procedure for integrative medicine consultations or the instruments required for such consultations. There are many questionnaires out there, but they are mostly survey questionnaires which aim to assess the incidence, reasons for, methods and general use of CAM by patients or to evaluate existing structures and the acceptance and attitude towards CAM of physicians and medical practitioners [21,52]. Prior to our study there was no published questionnaire which could be used as a standard instrument to record the current status in integrative medicine consultations and serve as a decision-making tool for CAM therapies.…”