The use of unproven methods of treatment by cancer patients

Abstract

The use of unproven therapies is of concern for a number of reasons, including the lack of scientific evidence of support them, their potential financial costs and the possibility of interference with conventional treatment. This study explored the prevalence, predictors and experiences of unproven therapy use by cancer patients attending an oncology clinic at an Australian teaching hospital. A questionnaire was administered to patients whilst they were waiting for a consultation with their oncologist. A total of 173 patients were invited to participate, and 156 consented to complete the survey (90%). Over half the patients (81, 52%) had used at least one unproven therapy since their diagnosis, and 28% had used three or more. Patients most commonly practised mediation/relaxation, changed their diet and used multi-vitamins. Most expected that the therapies would aid their conventional treatments and make them feel more in control of their situation. Benefits reported were largely psychological, such as an increased sense of control or a reduction in anxiety. Younger patients, those with early stage or advanced metastatic disease and those who had used unproven therapies prior to developing cancer were more likely to use unproven therapies. Health professionals involved in the care of cancer patients should be prepared to discuss the use of unproven therapies and try to identify and deal with unmet needs to help patients to cope with their illness.

Discussing Complementary Therapy Use With Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients: Exploring the Communication Gap

“…In a national US study involving 2527 breast cancer survivors, Saxe et al 4 reported that 80% used some form of CAM, and of these, 28% used CAM for cancerrelated reasons. Although there is a lack of scientifically credible research to support CAM influencing survival time, adoption of CAM may aid active coping during and following the treatment process, 5,6 assist in minimizing adverse side effects of conventional treatment, 4,6,7 and/or more closely reflect patient values and life philosophies, compared with allopathic medicine. 8 Given the high prevalence of CAM use as an adjunct to standard care among cancer patients and the potential for harmful interactions between certain types of CAM and conventional medicines, 9 it is important that clinicians and patients engage in an open dialogue about CAM use to ensure safe and integrated health care practices.…”

Uso de medicinas alternativas e complementares por pacientes com câncer: revisão sistemática

“…In the analysis of profi le of patients who used CAM, studies showed that they are adults aged between 30 and 59 years of age, 5,7,12,14,19,26,28,29,30,38,43 female, 11,20,26,27,30,41,43 with a high level of education 3,6,9,14,17,19,20,28,29 and high family income, 7,14,19,26,28,29,41 with advanced-staged cancer, 6,7,23,26,30,37,39,42 belonging to some religious group 20 and ethnically infl uenced 1,17,19,37 in relation to the alternative therapy adopted.…”

“…1,9,24,40,45 In relation to the psychological motivation, the promotion of well-being, control of stress and improvement of life quality were described. 2,5,6,9,14,23,27,46 The technical reasons for the use of CAM in the treatment of cancer are intimately connected to the dissatisfaction with conventional treatment, 1,8,12,36,37 especially concerning side effects and the interaction that is formed with health professionals, 33 besides the autonomous, humanizing process promoted by non-conventional practices.…”

“…Next, the 263 articles selected were classifi ed in four thematic categories, according to their analysis: use of CAM from the perspective of patients or groups of patients (57%; N=150); 3,5,6,18,23,27,35,42 and refl exology. 41 These complementary and alternative therapies need to be separated into therapeutic techniques and rationality, as this means the incorporation of elements from some other medical rationality.…”

AL study- traditional Chinese medicine combination Astragalus membranaceus and Ligustrum lucidum in people with advanced malignancy: research protocol for an open labelled pilot study

“…3 In Australia, the use of CAM in cancer patients ranges from 17-65%. [4][5][6] The increasing trend in cancer patient use mirrors those of the general population and a recent study estimated 79% of cancer survivors had used at least one form of CAM in the last 12 months. 7 Additionally, 21% of non-English speaking Chinese Americans reported using CAM, particularly Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and Chinese massage for treating cancer related pain.…”