Use of complementary and alternative medicine in head and neck cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence and profile of patients who use complementary and alternative medicine, within a cohort of head and neck cancer patients.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Ninety-three consecutive head and neck cancer patients being followed up at the department of otolaryngology head and neck surgery were surveyed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.


RESULTS
The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use was 67.8 per cent. Patients who used complementary and alternative medicine were more likely to be female, better educated and younger, compared with non-users. A total of 82.5 per cent (52/63) perceived complementary and alternative medicine to be effective, even though they were aware of the lack of research and endorsement by their physician regarding such medicine.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of complementary and alternative medicine by head and neck cancer patients is common, regardless of efficacy or cost. Clinicians should routinely ask patients about their use of complementary and alternative medicine, to facilitate communication and enable appropriate use of such medicine.
Lim
C M
CM
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, National University of Singapore.
Ng
A
A
Loh
K S
KS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012846:Singapore; D055815:Young Adult