[Unconventional cancer therapies--comparisons of attitudes and knowledge between physicians in Germany and Greece]

Unconventional cancer therapies are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Germany. This study was conducted to determine if there are differences regarding perceived cancer etiology, knowledge and expected therapeutic success of unconventional cancer therapies between German physicians and their Greek colleagues. PERSONS AND METHODS: In 2002, a questionnaire on the topic, developed on the basis of earlier studies and the literature, was sent to 300 German physicians and distributed among 494 Greek colleagues.

Significant differences between German and Greek physicians were found regarding all aspects mentioned. German physicians generally considered themselves better informed than did their Greek colleagues. However, the percentage of physicians with good and very good knowledge amounts to more than 30% only for mistletoe therapy and antioxidants. Fewer than 10% of Greek physicians are familiar with any type of unconventional cancer therapies.

The study supports the hypothesis that cultural background affects aspects of unconventional cancer therapies. However,the differences found may also be partially explained by demographic factors, for example most of the Greek physicians who answered the questionnaire were younger than the German physicians. Improved education in the field of unconventional cancer therapies seems necessary in order to meet future demands.