Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients with thoracic malignancies
Rashmi S Bismark1, Hongbin Chen, Grace K Dy
1Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA, rsbismar@buffalo.edu.
Summary
Fear about the future is linked to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in thoracic cancer patients. Patients may use CAM to cope with emotional distress during cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is rising among cancer patients.
- Characterizing CAM use in thoracic malignancies is crucial for understanding patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of CAM use in patients with thoracic malignancies.
- To identify predictors of CAM use in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted at a comprehensive cancer center.
- 108 adult patients with thoracic malignancies completed a survey on CAM use.
- Logistic regression analyzed predictors of CAM use.
Main Results:
- 42% of patients reported using at least one form of CAM.
- CAM use was not associated with demographics, diagnosis, or quality of life.
- Fear about the future significantly predicted CAM use (OR=4.18).
Conclusions:
- CAM prevalence in thoracic cancer patients mirrors the general US population.
- Fear and emotional distress are associated with CAM use.
- CAM may serve as a coping mechanism for cancer-related emotional distress.
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