The use of complementary and alternative medicine after the completion of hospital treatment for colorectal cancer: findings from a questionnaire study in Denmark

Abstract

BackgroundLittle is known about the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for colorectal cancer, despite the high incidence of colorectal cancer and the frequency of CAM use for cancer-related symptoms. This is the first Danish study to examine the use of CAM by individuals who completed hospital treatment for colorectal cancer.MethodsIn 2011–12, a pragmatic trial on energy healing as rehabilitation after colorectal cancer was conducted in Denmark with participants who had completed cancer-related hospital treatment within the past 18 months prior to study inclusion. As part of the trial, participants (n = 247) completed a questionnaire on the use, motivations, pathways and perceived benefits of CAM. Socio-demographic information was obtained via the Danish National Patient Registry and self-report. Descriptive statistics were generated, using SPSS, version 18, and logistic regression analysis was carried out.ResultsOf 247 individuals, 49.4% used some form of CAM in the past month. Nearly half of the CAM users (49.2%) used natural medicines and/or dietary supplements only; 32% consulted an alternative therapist; 18.9% used both. Those who consulted alternative therapists were most commonly women (OR: 3.36; p = .002; CI: 1.54-7.33) with high educational levels (OR: 2.77; p = 0.010; CI: 1.28-6.01); more women than men used natural medicines and/or dietary supplements (OR: 1.83; p = .047; CI: 1.01-3.30) independent of educational levels. A majority commenced CAM on their own initiative; CAM was predominantly used to achieve better physical wellbeing. Beneficial effects were reported particularly in relation to physical health; few harmful effects were reported. Of those using CAM, 51.5% did not disclose its use to their physician; 8.5% of participants reported to have been asked by their physician about CAM use.ConclusionThe use of CAM following completion of hospital treatment for colorectal cancer seems widespread in Denmark. The identified extensive CAM use suggests a need for more reliable and diverse information about CAM for both patients and biomedical providers, and improved communication about its use in the clinical context.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-388) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Patients: A Prospective Questionnaire-Based Study in an Oncological Outpatient Clinic

“…Most studies focused on the use of CAM regarding only 1 cancer entity [7,8,9,10,11,12,13,17,18]. Only a few recent studies analyzed the use of CAM in all cancer entities [3,4,5,6], with different percentages of users from 32-95%.…”

“…Numbers vary depending on the cultural background the study was conducted in [3,7] and the cancer entities examined[8,9,10,11,12,13]. …”

Reasons for Use of and Experiences with Homeopathic Treatment as an Adjunct to Usual Cancer Care: Results of a Small Qualitative Study

“…5 women with breast cancer diagnosis reported CAM use 12 to 16 weeks post-surgery; 9 and 49% of patients who had recently completed conventional colorectal cancer treatment reported some form of CAM treatment in the past month. 10 Although updated prevalence data for CAM use for all categories of patients with cancer in Denmark are lacking, these two surveys suggest CAM use among Danish patients with cancer may be comparable to patients in other countries. CAM is used by both men and women, and in different sub-groups of patients.…”

“…23 Although no epidemiological studies report on use of homeopathy among patients with cancer in Denmark, similar characteristics have been found in Danish breast and colorectal cancer CAM users. 9,10 Results of the German study suggested that the homeopathy group had a longer disease history than patients with cancer receiving conventional treatment, indicating that the two groups entered the study at different disease phases. Their quality of life, levels of anxiety, depression and fatigue scores were, however, comparable.…”

Complementary and Integrative Health Practices Among Hispanics Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer: Utilization and Communication with Physicians

“…Relatively little is known about CIH use in Hispanics with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Existing data from several international studies show that CIH use among patients with CRC ranges in prevalence between 20% and 50%; 27 , 40–42 however, the two U.S. studies suggest inconsistent findings, with use at 31% and 75%. 43 , 44 To better understand the prevalence and patterns of CIH use among Hispanic patients with CRC living in the United States, this large population-based study in California sought to describe the CIH products and techniques used by Hispanic adults.…”