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Unproven (questionable) cancer therapies
1Island Division, Metro-McNair Clinical Laboratories, Victoria, BC, Canada.
The Western Journal of Medicine
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Many cancer patients use unproven alternative therapies, often without informing doctors. These treatments can be harmful and may lead patients to abandon conventional care, necessitating early physician discussion.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Patient Behavior
Background:
- Over 50% of cancer patients utilize alternative treatments.
- Use of these therapies often begins early and is undisclosed to healthcare providers.
- Some alternative therapies pose risks and may involve fraudulent promotion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence and characteristics of alternative cancer therapy use.
- To examine factors making these therapies attractive to patients.
- To emphasize the need for open communication between physicians and patients regarding all treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical observations on alternative cancer therapies.
- Analysis of patient motivations and perceptions regarding alternative versus conventional treatments.
- Discussion of the implications for clinical practice and patient-physician relationships.
Main Results:
- Alternative therapies are widely used, often undisclosed, and can be detrimental.
- Patient attraction to alternative therapies may stem from perceived deficiencies in conventional care.
- Patients using alternative therapies may not be poorly educated but may discontinue standard treatment.
Conclusions:
- Physicians must proactively discuss unproven therapies with cancer patients early in treatment.
- Awareness of popular alternative therapies in specific regions is crucial for oncologists.
- Open dialogue can help mitigate risks associated with alternative cancer treatments.