Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with breast cancer: observations from a health-care survey

Goals of the work: The aim of this study was to assess the period prevalence and identify predictors of the use of complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM) among women with breast cancer. Patients and methods: In a cross-sectional study, 263 women participating in a quality of life survey reported on CAM use. Differences between CAM users and nonusers were evaluated using logistic regression. Results: About 3 years after diagnosis the period prevalence of CAM use among women with breast cancer was 36%. Younger women reported usage of CAM more often than older women. Associations between remote disease, pain and psychosocial variables were found. Involvement in self-help groups and active participation in leisure activities were associated with CAM use; this may indicate differences in the patients' ability to cope with the disease. Most patients were informed of CAM by a physician. Conclusions: Involvement in self-help groups and leisure activities were associated with CAM use, indicating differences in the patients' ability to cope. Further research is necessary to evaluate the safety of CAM and to determine the value of CAM in health care.