title: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Individuals Presenting for Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.
abstract: To define the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in individuals presenting for care at a comprehensive cancer center.
  
  
  
  A total of 17 639 individuals presenting to an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (and consortium sites) completed a questionnaire regarding CAM use. Data were analyzed using the univariate χ2test to assess CAM use associated with a number of variables, including cancer status, age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, race, employment, and education level.
  
  
  
  Eighty-seven percent of individuals who completed the CAM survey acknowledged CAM therapy use within the previous 12 months. Of the 5 broad categories of CAM, the most commonly used were biologically based approaches (14 759/17 639 [83.67%]), mind-body interventions (4624/17 485 [26.45%]), manipulative and body-based therapies (3957/17 537 [22.56%]), alternative medical systems (429/15 952 [2.69%]), and energy therapies (270/15 872 [1.7%]). CAM use was more prevalent among women, non-Hispanics, Caucasians, patients 60 to 69 years of age, and those who are married, have a higher level of education, and are employed ( P < .005).
  
  
  
  This is the largest report of CAM use in individuals presenting for care at a comprehensive cancer center. Our analysis revealed that a very high percentage of patients utilize CAM. Because many of these CAM interventions are not studied in oncology patients, additional research on safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action are essential. Furthermore, it is important that oncologists understand CAM modalities and counsel their patients about their use.
authors.affiliation: 1 H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.|2 Jordan Valley Cancer Center, West Jordan, UT, USA.
authors.forename: Patricia L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Judson
authors.affiliation: 1 H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.|3 American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Reem
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Abdallah
authors.affiliation: 1 H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Yin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Xiong
authors.affiliation: 1 H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ebbert
authors.affiliation: 1 H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.|4 Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
authors.forename: Johnathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lancaster
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies / Q000379:methods; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cancer diagnosis; cancer survivor; comprehensive cancer center; questionnaire; suspicion of cancer