Complementary and alternative medicine use in colorectal cancer patients in seven European countries.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to examine the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in a sample of colorectal cancer patients in Europe.


METHODS
The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey and data were collected through a 27-item self-reported questionnaire from seven European countries.


RESULTS
As part of a larger study, 126 colorectal cancer patients participated in this survey. Among the participants, 32% used CAM after the diagnosis of cancer. Almost half the CAM therapies used were new therapies, never tried before the diagnosis. The most common CAM therapies used included herbal medicine (48.7%), homeopathy (20.5%), use of vitamins/minerals (17.9%), spiritual therapies (15.4%), medicinal teas (15.4%) and relaxation techniques (12.8%). A dramatic increase was observed in the use of CAM from usage levels before the cancer diagnosis. High levels of satisfaction with CAM were also reported. Patients used CAM more often to increase the body's ability to fight the cancer or to improve physical well-being. However, expectations did not always match with the benefits reported.


CONCLUSIONS
As one-third of colorectal cancer patients use CAM, health professionals should be more aware of this approach to the patient's management. They should discuss the role of CAM therapies with their patients in a non-judgemental and open manner, and endeavour to provide accurate information in order to allow patients to make their own decision about CAM.
Molassiotis
Alexander
A
University of Manchester, School of Nursing, Coupland III, Coupland Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. alex.molassiotis@manchester.ac.uk
Fernandez-Ortega
Paz
P
Pud
Dorit
D
Ozden
Gulten
G
Platin
Nurgun
N
Hummerston
Sandra
S
Scott
Julia A
JA
Panteli
Vassiliki
V
Gudmundsdottir
Gudbjorg
G
Selvekerova
Sarka
S
Patiraki
Elisabeth
E
Kearney
Nora
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires