Are cancer patients utilizing complementary therapies? A URCC CCOP study. Author(s): J. Yates, G. Morrow, K. Mustian, M. Hofman, P. Bushunow, P. J. Flynn, R. Rosenbluth, J. Atkins; University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY; Metro-Minnesota CCOP, Minneapolis, MN; Northern New Jersey CCOP, Hackensack, NJ; SCCC CCOP, Goldsboro, NC Abstract: Background: There is an increasing interest in complementary therapies (CT) among health care patients. CT may positively influence perceived health and disease processes, however CT usage is not well documented among cancer patients. Methods: Cancer patients (N=750) were surveyed on CT usage within two weeks of completing standard treatments. Results: Analyses revealed that, 91% (N=677) of patients surveyed reported using at least one CT since diagnosis. Data suggest that women were more likely to use CT than men (p<.01). Of the patients surveyed, 68% (N=460) were female, 54% (N= 362) were diagnosed with breast cancer, 17% (N= 114) with genitourinary cancer, 39% (N= 262) of patients received chemotherapy, 35% (N= 235) radiation therapy and 26% (N= 173) both. CTs most frequently used by patients were prayer (85%; N= 578), relaxation (66%; N= 447), and exercise (53%; N= 356), with 46% (N= 315) of these patients utilizing 2 or 3 CTs. Ninety percent (N= 613) of patients who used CT perceived their health status as good, very good, or excellent. There were no significant differences in perceived health status between patients using and not using CT. Of the patients using CT, 51% (N=346) told their oncologist, 27% (N=186) told their primary physician, and 17% (N=114) told both about at least one treatment, however 81% (N= 550) did not discuss all the CTs they were using with either physician. Conclusions: These data suggest that cancer patients are using CT, however patients may not discuss them at all or fully with their physician. Communication will alleviate potential effects resulting from CT usage and treatments. Further research needs to assess effective ways of gathering information about CT usage during treatment in cancer patients. Supported, in part, by NCI PHS grant U10 CA37420 and by ACS grant RSG-01-071-PBP Abstract No: 8157 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.