Why patients seek unproven cancer remedies: a psychological perspective

When it is discovered that cancer has recurred, patients experience a period of acute emotional distress, with increased anxiety, fear, helplessness, and depression. Well-meaning colleagues, friends, and relatives feel compelled to tell them about unorthodox cancer "cures." These unproven remedies tend to fit holistic health concepts purporting to enhance the body's own defenses; most involve the use of chemicals or drugs, nutritional supports, vitamins, vaccines, and mind-body techniques. In the past decade, laetrile has been the most popular unorthodox remedy. The distraught patient and family are deluged with information and have trouble evaluating what is valid. Physicians who treat patients with cancer should make sure that they themselves understand the emotional basis for a patient's need to pursue unorthodox remedies. The risk is heightened when the patient senses the doctor has "given up" and has "nothing more to offer." Patients should feel able to ask questions about unproven remedies without fear that the physician will be judgmental or punitive. Participation in a clinical trial of a new and promising treatment under investigation, within the full protection of ethical guidelines, should be suggested as an alternative to unproven treatments outside the medical system that are not subject to the same constraints.