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Complementary therapy use among older cancer patients.
G K Wyatt1, L L Friedman, C W Given
1College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA.
Cancer Practice
|June 3, 1999
Summary
Approximately one-third of older cancer patients use complementary therapies, often exercise, herbal remedies, or spiritual healing. These users tend to be women with higher education and optimism, highlighting the need for provider awareness and integration of these practices.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Cancer Care Research
Background:
- Older cancer patients often explore complementary therapies alongside conventional treatment.
- Understanding the prevalence and patterns of complementary therapy use is crucial for holistic patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utilization of complementary therapies in older cancer patients.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with complementary therapy use.
- To understand the types of complementary therapies most commonly used by this population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 699 older cancer patients (≥64 years) undergoing treatment for breast, colorectal, prostate, or lung cancer.
- Data collected included demographics, physical symptoms, psychological well-being, and use of conventional and complementary health services.
- Patients were recruited from community cancer treatment centers in Michigan.
Main Results:
- Nearly 33% of older cancer patients reported using complementary therapies.
- Users were more likely to be female, diagnosed with breast cancer, and possess higher education levels.
- Exercise, herbal therapy, and spiritual healing were the most frequently used therapies; users reported higher optimism but similar depressive symptomatology and spirituality compared to nonusers.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of older cancer patients utilize complementary therapies, necessitating oncology provider awareness.
- Providers should be knowledgeable about the safety and efficacy of common complementary therapies like exercise, herbal remedies, and spiritual healing.
- Implementing systems for patients to report complementary therapy use can foster collaborative care between patients and providers.