Complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients at the end of life: Korean national study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate in depth the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) by cancer patients at the end-of-life (EOL) and how they communicate with physicians about them. DESIGN AND LOCATION: In 17 hospitals in Korea between January and December 2004 we identified 4,042 families of cancer patients.


RESULTS
The prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients at the EOL was 37.0%, and 93.1% had used pharmacologic types of agents. The most frequent motive for CAM use was the recommendation of friends or a close relative (53.4%) or a physician (1.6%). Only 42.5% discussed CAM use with their physicians. Satisfaction with CAMS was recalled for 37.1% . The most common reason given for that satisfaction was improvement of emotional or physical well-being, while ineffectiveness was the most common reason given for dissatisfaction. The average cost of CAM during the last month of life was $US 900. CAM use was associated with longer disease periods, primary cancers other than liver, biliary, and pancreatic, and need of support from physicians or religion.


CONCLUSIONS
CAM use among cancer patients at the EOL was common, not discussed with physicians, and associated with expectation of cure. Expectations were generally unmet while the treatments were a financial burden. Further studies evaluating the effects of CAM at the EOL and factors that enhance communication with the physician are needed.
National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
Jin Young
JY
Choi
Yoon Jung
YJ
Chang
Young Seon
YS
Hong
Dae Seog
DS
Heo
Samyong
S
Kim
Jung Lim
JL
Lee
Jong Soo
JS
Choi
Ki Mun
KM
Kang
Si-Young
SY
Kim
Hyun Sik
HS
Jeong
Chang Geol
CG
Lee
Youn Seon
YS
Choi
Ho-Yeong
HY
Lim
Young Ho
YH
Yun
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D056910:Republic of Korea; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013727:Terminal Care; D013997:Time Factors