OBJECTIVE: Use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) is widespread among patients with chronic diseases including cancer. The purpose of our study was to examine the pattern of alternative medicine use in patients undergoing radiation treatment of cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer patients treated with radiation therapy from July 2003 through July 2005 at the University of Cincinnati. We defined CAM as the use of dietary supplements, massage therapy, prayer, acupuncture, chiropractic, and other novel therapies undertaken after their diagnosis with cancer. RESULTS: There were 152 patients that participated in the study. Their median age was 59 (range, 21-85), 82 (54%) were males, 108 (69%) were Caucasian. Out of 152 patients, 104 (68%) patients were users of CAM. The most common CAM modality reported was prayer 85 (82%) and use of dietary supplements 84 (80%). The majority of users were female and well-educated. Among CAM users 60 (58%) had discussed its use with their physician. Level of education, employment status and income showed a significant correlation with the use of CAM. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the use of complementary alternative medicine among cancer patients receiving radiation therapy is frequent. Given the potential risks with some CAM therapies, physicians should actively ask patients whether they use CAM and provide appropriate counseling.
OBJECTIVE: Use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) is widespread among patients with chronic diseases including cancer. The purpose of our study was to examine the pattern of alternative medicine use in patients undergoing radiation treatment of cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among cancerpatients treated with radiation therapy from July 2003 through July 2005 at the University of Cincinnati. We defined CAM as the use of dietary supplements, massage therapy, prayer, acupuncture, chiropractic, and other novel therapies undertaken after their diagnosis with cancer. RESULTS: There were 152 patients that participated in the study. Their median age was 59 (range, 21-85), 82 (54%) were males, 108 (69%) were Caucasian. Out of 152 patients, 104 (68%) patients were users of CAM. The most common CAM modality reported was prayer 85 (82%) and use of dietary supplements 84 (80%). The majority of users were female and well-educated. Among CAM users 60 (58%) had discussed its use with their physician. Level of education, employment status and income showed a significant correlation with the use of CAM. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the use of complementary alternative medicine among cancerpatients receiving radiation therapy is frequent. Given the potential risks with some CAM therapies, physicians should actively ask patients whether they use CAM and provide appropriate counseling.
Authors: Cara L McDermott; David K Blough; Catherine R Fedorenko; Neeraj K Arora; Steven B Zeliadt; Megan E Fairweather; Ingrid Oakley-Girvan; Stephen K Van Den Eeden; Scott D Ramsey Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2010-12-01 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Christina M Bauer; Miriam B Ishak; Emilie K Johnson; Jennifer L Beebe-Dimmer; Kathleen A Cooney Journal: Integr Cancer Ther Date: 2011-08-05 Impact factor: 3.279
Authors: Louie E Ross; Ingrid J Hall; Temeika L Fairley; Yhenneko J Taylor; Daniel L Howard Journal: J Altern Complement Med Date: 2008-10 Impact factor: 2.579