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Use of complementary/integrative methods: cancer survivors' misconceptions about recurrence prevention
Ted Gansler1, Sara Strollo2, Elizabeth Fallon2
1Intramural Research, American Cancer Society, 250 Williams Street, Atlanta, GA, 30303-1002, USA. ted.gansler@cancer.org.
Summary
Many cancer survivors use complementary and alternative health methods (CAM) with the hope of preventing recurrence. This study found that 14.8% of CAM users cited recurrence prevention as a motive, highlighting a need for realistic patient education.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Cancer Survivorship
Background:
- Complementary and alternative health methods (CAM) are frequently used by cancer survivors.
- Evidence supporting CAM for cancer recurrence prevention is limited.
- Understanding survivor motivations for CAM use is crucial for informed decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the percentage of cancer survivors using CAM who aim to prevent recurrence.
- To identify characteristics associated with CAM use for recurrence prevention.
- To explore which CAM domains are linked to recurrence prevention efforts.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the American Cancer Society's Study of Cancer Survivors-I.
- Inclusion of adult survivors who reported using CAM (excluding specific practices like osteopathy, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, prayer/meditation as sole methods).
- Application of multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of CAM use for recurrence prevention.
Main Results:
- 14.8% of CAM-using survivors reported recurrence prevention as a motive.
- Factors associated with recurrence prevention CAM use included not being married, using mind-body or biologically based CAM, and experiencing clinically relevant fear of recurrence.
- Biologically based CAM use was strongly linked to unrealistic expectations about reducing recurrence risk.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of cancer survivors using CAM hold unrealistic expectations regarding its efficacy in preventing recurrence.
- Patient education is vital to foster informed choices and realistic expectations for all health interventions, conventional and complementary.
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