Unconventional cancer therapy--survey of patients with gynaecological malignancy.
Although the benefits remain unproven, a considerable number of cancer patients use unconventional therapy, in many cases without the knowledge of the oncologist. At the oncological out-patient department of the women's clinic of the Justus-Liebig-University Giessen we conducted a survey of the various unconventional methods used. 38.8% (80/206) of the patients used unconventional therapies, mainly mistletoe extracts (50%), trace minerals (46%), megavitamins (39%), and enzymes (22%). The perceived etiology of cancer determined the choice for the various methods (p = 0.00074). Users of unconventional methods suffered significantly more from conventional therapy, had less faith in their doctors, and felt more nervous and emotionally unstable after the diagnosis of "cancer".
Münstedt
K
K
Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Radiotherapy, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
Kirsch
K
K
Milch
W
W
Sachsse
S
S
Vahrson
H
H
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012803:Sick Role; D016896:Treatment Outcome