Kelp use in patients with thyroid cancer
Jennifer E Rosen1, Paula Gardiner, Robert B Saper
1Department of Surgery, Boston University, 820 Harrison Avenue Suite 5007, Boston, MA, 02118, USA, Jennifer.Rosen@bmc.org.
Endocrine
|February 28, 2014
Summary
Patients with thyroid cancer who use kelp often use many other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. However, they rarely inform their physicians about their CAM use, highlighting a gap in communication.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Kelp consumption is prevalent among some thyroid cancer patients.
- Understanding the use of kelp and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and patterns of kelp use among individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
- To explore the co-use of other CAM modalities and patient-physician communication regarding these therapies.
Main Methods:
- A web-based anonymous survey was conducted with Institutional Review Board approval.
- Data were collected from 27 thyroid cancer patients who reported using kelp, including demographic information and CAM usage details.
Main Results:
- Respondents were predominantly females over 40 with high school education.
- Kelp users with thyroid cancer reported using an average of 11 additional CAM modalities, significantly more than national averages.
- Only 50% of kelp users informed their physicians about their CAM use, with nearly 33% reporting no physician inquiry.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid cancer patients using kelp exhibit extensive use of multiple CAM therapies.
- There is a significant underreporting of CAM use to physicians by these patients.
- Physicians should proactively inquire about CAM use to ensure informed patient assessment and care.
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