Trends in botanical dietary supplement use among US adults by cancer status: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999 to 2014

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer may use botanical dietary supplements (BDS) in an attempt to manage the side effects of chemotherapy, yet evidence about BDS use among patients with cancer is limited. The authors examined trends in BDS use among US adults according to cancer status and patient characteristics. METHODS: A serial, cross-sectio: nal study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 through 2014 (n = 43,644). Self-reported cancer diagnosis history and any BDS use in the preceding 30 days were determined. The prevalence of BDS use was calculated in each cycle for respondents with and without cancer, both overall and by patient characteristics. Simple linear regression models were applied to test for trends in BDS use at a 2-sided P value<.05. Multiple logistic regression models were performed to identify the patient factors associated with BDS use. The results were weighted to represent national estimates. RESULTS: The prevalence of BDS use was greater among participants who had cancer compared with participants who did not have cancer, but trends remained stable during 1999 through 2014 for both groups. Trends in BDS use declined in patients with cancer who were older (P-trend = .047), had a low annual family income (P-trend = .028), and had a lower education level (P-trend = .004). Among the respondents without cancer, trends in BDS use declined in those who were middle-aged (P-trend = .025), non-Hispanic whites (P-trend = .025), those with a lower education level (P-trend = .011), and those who were not receiving prescription medication (P-trend = .036). Patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, education, and health conditions were associated with BDS use. CONCLUSIONS: The overall use of BDS remained stable during 1999 through 2014 for US adults with and without cancer, but it varied by individual characteristics. (C) 2017 American Cancer Society.