Laura Weeks1, Marja Verhoef, Catherine Scott. 1. Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. lvanderh@ucalgary.ca
Abstract
GOALS OF WORK: Cancer patients repeatedly identify the mass media as a primary information source to support their decisions to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Accordingly, the objectives of this research are to describe: (1) what has been reported in the Canadian print media regarding CAM treatment for cancer between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2005; (2) how that information was represented; and (3) trends in reporting frequency and reporting characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Content analysis of all articles published in four Canadian newspapers and five magazines that discussed CAM treatment for cancer. MAIN RESULTS: 915 articles were identified: 760 newspaper articles and 155 magazine articles. The CAM therapies most commonly described in media reports were: natural health products, CAM therapies in general, special diets, spirituality, and meditation. CAM therapies were most often described in a positive fashion, and CAM use was most often described as a potential cure for cancer. The majority of articles did not present information on the risks, benefits, and costs of CAM use and few provided a recommendation to speak with a health care provider before use. CONCLUSIONS: The results correspond with the commercial interests of media outlets, as coverage appears to be focused around entertainment rather than information provision. The media play a role in introducing a range of treatment options to cancer patients that may not be discussed by conventional health care providers; however, the information provided in media articles appears insufficient to assist patients with informed decision-making.
GOALS OF WORK: Cancerpatients repeatedly identify the mass media as a primary information source to support their decisions to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Accordingly, the objectives of this research are to describe: (1) what has been reported in the Canadian print media regarding CAM treatment for cancer between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2005; (2) how that information was represented; and (3) trends in reporting frequency and reporting characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Content analysis of all articles published in four Canadian newspapers and five magazines that discussed CAM treatment for cancer. MAIN RESULTS: 915 articles were identified: 760 newspaper articles and 155 magazine articles. The CAM therapies most commonly described in media reports were: natural health products, CAM therapies in general, special diets, spirituality, and meditation. CAM therapies were most often described in a positive fashion, and CAM use was most often described as a potential cure for cancer. The majority of articles did not present information on the risks, benefits, and costs of CAM use and few provided a recommendation to speak with a health care provider before use. CONCLUSIONS: The results correspond with the commercial interests of media outlets, as coverage appears to be focused around entertainment rather than information provision. The media play a role in introducing a range of treatment options to cancerpatients that may not be discussed by conventional health care providers; however, the information provided in media articles appears insufficient to assist patients with informed decision-making.
Authors: H Boon; M Stewart; M A Kennard; R Gray; C Sawka; J B Brown; C McWilliam; A Gavin; R A Baron; D Aaron; T Haines-Kamka Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2000-07 Impact factor: 44.544