title: Prevalence and predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by men in Australian cancer outpatient services.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although studies have shown that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common in cancer patients, no survey has assessed CAM use in men with a variety of cancers. In Australia, no data exist about male cancer patients' use of CAM.
  
  
  METHODS
  A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 403 men attending four cancer outpatient services in Metropolitan Adelaide. Data were analyzed using Pearson's χ(2) tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CAMs were currently used by 52.9%, or used at some point by 61.5%, of respondents. The most popular CAM treatments were dietary supplements (36.1%), prayer (25.9%), herbs and botanicals (21.4%), and relaxation techniques/meditation (15.2%). CAM use was directed by a cancer specialist in 9.9% of respondents. Independent predictors of CAM use were metastatic cancer (P = 0.022), actively practicing religion (P = 0.008), and tertiary education (P = 0.007).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CAM use in males is equally common across all cancer diagnoses, namely prostate, hematological malignancies, colorectal, lung, and other cancers. Oncologists should be aware that one-third of male patients modify their diet and/or search for spiritual guidance, particularly when diagnosed with metastatic cancer.
authors: School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia. nadja.klafke@adelaide.edu.au
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Klafke
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Eliott
authors: G A
authors: GA
authors: Wittert
authors: I N
authors: IN
authors: Olver
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001315:Australia; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires