Factors influencing the usage of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with cancer

Introduction: The interest in CAM among cancer patients is constantly growing and about 50% already used CAM alongside cancer therapy. Little is known on the factors influencing patients' choice of type of CAM used. Methods: A questionnaire consisting of two validated instruments (the ASKU (Allgemeine Selbstwirksamkeit Kurzskala), the PAM 13-D (Patient Activation Measure) and the structured AKKOM questionnaire on CAM usage was distributed at a German university hospital. Results: 639 patients (male 32.9%, female 63.2%; gynecological cancer 41%, gastrointestinal 19.2%, urogenital 15.6%) took part. 60% had used CAM in the last 3 months (biological 73%, holistic 63%, mind-body-methods 62%). Participants up to 30 years preferred biologically (p = 0.001), while women with gynecological cancer favored holistic based methods (p < 0.0001). There was no association between patients' beliefs on cancer causes and the chosen CAM method. Conclusion: Improving knowledge in patients on cancer etiology and treatments could facilitate the understanding of additional complementary treatments.

Automated summary

The interest in CAM among cancer patients is growing, with about 50% already using CAM alongside cancer therapy. Factors influencing patients' choice of CAM vary, with younger patients preferring biological therapies and women with gynecological cancer favoring holistic methods. Beliefs on cancer causes were not associated with the chosen CAM method among patients in this study.