Abandoning biomedicine for alternate therapies: oncology patients' stories.

Little is known of the experiences of oncology patients who abandon biomedicine to use alternate therapies. This ethnography provides insights into the experiences of eight estranged informants. Six main themes emerging from the analysis are (a) expressed stress: emotions such as anger and fear, (b) taking control, (c) belief in a cure, (d) social group association, (e) cost considerations, and (f) mystical insights into health care. Conducted over 3 years, the study includes a network sample and longitudinal case study with one key witness. Individual interviews and one focus group were included. Insights are provided for health professionals who may encounter biomedical abandonment.