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Canadian Cancer Society Information Services: lessons learned about complementary medicine information needs.
J L Eng1, D A Monkman, M J Verhoef
1Tzu Chi Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Vancouver, BC.
Chronic Diseases in Canada
|January 10, 2002
Summary
Cancer patients frequently seek information on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This study identified their key concerns regarding CAM safety and effectiveness, highlighting a need for updated resources.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Health Information Science
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among cancer patients.
- A significant gap exists in accessible, reliable information regarding CAM efficacy and safety for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the specific information needs of cancer patients inquiring about CAM through the Canadian Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service (CIS).
- To evaluate the current resources used by CIS Information Specialists for CAM-related inquiries.
Main Methods:
- CIS Information Specialists documented inquiries from 109 callers seeking CAM information.
- Data collection involved two-page questionnaires focusing on caller demographics and specific CAM questions.
- Analysis of resources utilized by specialists to address CAM-related calls.
Main Results:
- The majority of CAM inquirers were women aged 30-59.
- Primary concerns focused on the safety and effectiveness of specific herbs and compounds (e.g., Essiac, 714X).
- Existing CIS resources were identified as outdated and not cancer-type specific.
Conclusions:
- Cancer patients require more current and specific information on the safety and effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine therapies.
- There is a critical need to update and expand resources available to healthcare providers and patients regarding CAM in oncology.
- An appendix of current CAM resources and websites is provided to address this information gap.