Complementary therapy: perceptions of older people with lung or colorectal cancer

To explore how older people with lung and colorectal cancer view registered complementary therapy (CT) services in Northern Ireland.

A literature review highlighted gaps around information, access, and communication between patients and health professionals regarding CT services.

Using structured interviews, a survey of 68 patients in one hospital and one hospice was conducted in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

All respondents felt that CT services should be better promoted and more easily accessible to older people with cancer. Some patients were concerned about the lack of written information provided regarding CT services, which they believed led to poorer uptake and uncertainty regarding the potential benefits. Others were concerned that engaging in or disclosing CT usage might negatively affect existing relationships with medical professionals.

Patients should be offered high quality written information on CT services to enable choice, improve knowledge, and promote wider access. Increased physician education may facilitate provision of such information.