Complementary and alternative medicine use by patients with cancer in Wales: a cross sectional survey.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence and cost of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, and examine perceived satisfaction and reasons for using CAM.


METHODS
Cross sectional survey of 1697 patients with breast, prostate, lung or neurological cancer registered with a single NHS authority in Wales.


METHODS
One thousand and seventy-seven (64%) of patients, aged 18 years or over with cancer diagnosis of at least 3 months, returned analysable questionnaires. Thirty patients were interviewed by telephone.


METHODS
Number and proportion that had used CAM in the past 12 months, the types of CAM used, expenditure, satisfaction, demographic characteristics, and reasons for using CAM.


RESULTS
Five hundred and thirty-four, 49.6% (95% CI 46.6-52.6) of participants, reported using at least one type of CAM during the past 12 months: 221, 16.4% (95% CI 14.3-18.8), had consulted a CAM practitioner (average cost per person, 28 lbs. per month); 166, 15.4% (95% CI 13.4-17.7), indicated using CAM techniques (average cost per person, 16 lbs. per month); 456, 42.3% (95% CI 39.4-45.3), reported using over-the-counter diets, remedies or supplements (average cost per person, 10 lbs. per month). Dissatisfaction with CAM use was low, and most users indicated that they represented value for money. CAM users were more likely to be female, younger, better qualified, and to have used CAM before their current illness than non-users. Patients used CAM primarily for symptom relief and relaxation.


CONCLUSIONS
Nearly half the cancer patients in this study had used CAM. A co-ordinated approach to quality assurance, information and advice, and the assessment of risk/benefit and cost effectiveness of CAM use is needed.
Harris
Philip
P
School of Health and Social Sciences, University of Wales Institute-Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales, UK. peharris@uwic.ac.uk
Finlay
Ilora G
IG
Cook
Alison
A
Thomas
Kate J
KJ
Hood
Kerenza
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D014852:Wales