Description
Background
This study sought to describe the pattern of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) use among a group of patients with advanced breast cancer, to examine the main reasons for their CAM use, to identify patient's information sources and their communication pattern with their physicians.
Methods
Face-to-face structured interviews of patients with advanced-stage breast cancer at a comprehensive oncology center.
Results
Seventy three percent of patients used CAM; relaxation/meditative techniques and herbal medicine were the most common. The most commonly cited primary reason for CAM use was to boost the immune system, the second, to treat cancer; however these reasons varied depending on specific CAM therapy. Friends or family members and mass media were common primary information source's about CAM.
Conclusions
A high proportion of advanced-stage breast cancer patients used CAM. Discussion with doctors was high for ingested products. Mass media was a prominent source of patient information. Credible sources of CAM information for patients and physicians are needed.
Resources
| Name | Format | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Government Data Source | HTML | Visit the original government dataset for complete information, documentation, and data access. | Open resource |