One third of cancer patients using complementary therapies

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A survey within Europe reveals that one cancer patient in three is using some kind of complementary or alternative medicine.
We already know that many people turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such as homeopathy or yoga to help them deal with chronic disease. A survey from the school of nursing at the University of Manchester, England, now reveals how popular CAM is with cancer patients.

A study of nearly 1,000 patients in Europe shows that, on average, one patient in three uses CAM. Usage is higher in Italy and Switzerland, while only 15 per cent of Greek cancer patients use it. CAM users tend to be younger, female and to have cancer of the bone, brain, pancreas or liver - in other words, those cancers with a poorer prognosis.

Herbal medicine and homeopathy were among the most popular forms of CAM used by cancer patient. Most felt it helped their physical or mental wellbeing or boosted the body's ability to fight the cancer. The numbers using CAM has increased quite significantly since a previous survey in 1998, though levels are still not as high as in the USA. Given that the research into CAM has not increased at the same rate, the investigators feel that for the patients' sake more must be done. After all, many patients pay themselves for their treatment. Doctors also need to boost their awareness of CAM and make sure it is not interfering with conventional cancer treatment.

Source
Annals of Oncology 3rd February 2005