[Alternative treatments in cancer; extent and background of utilization]

To determine the prevalence of use of alternative cancer therapies, as well as the characteristics of the patients who use these therapies, and their experiences with them.

Descriptive study.

Outpatient departments of several hospitals in North-Holland.

In total, 1091 patients were asked to participate in the study; 949 patients agreed (87%): 535 women (56%) and 414 men, with an average age of 62 years. The sample was stratified by diagnosis: 233 breast, 183 lung, 278 stomach/colon cancer and 255 patients with various other cancer diagnoses. A structured face-to-face interview and several written questionnaires were used.

2XOf the 949 patients, 9.4% were currently using an alternative therapy in addition to conventional treatment, and 5.8% had used an alternative treatment in the past but had subsequently stopped. Patients using alternative therapies were relatively younger and more highly educated than patients who chose not to use these therapies. Use of alternative therapies was more frequent among patients undergoing palliative treatment and patients who were actively dealing with the problems surrounding their disease. Only a minority of the patients believed they could be cured by the alternative therapy; the majority hoped it would help to slow the progression of their disease or strengthen their resistance.

The motivation for seeking alternative treatment more often appears to be fear and uncertainty rather than belief in the efficacy of the treatment. For many patients the use of alternative therapies represents a means of dealing with the anxiety and stress surrounding their disease.