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Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients with thoracic malignancies

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Abstract

Purpose

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has been increasing among cancer patients. This study characterizes the use of CAM among patients with thoracic malignancies.

Methods

This cross sectional study was conducted at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center among adult patients diagnosed with thoracic malignancies. The primary outcome was a self-reported use of CAM, defined as the use of any type of CAM beyond routine vitamin/mineral supplementation alone. A logistic regression model was developed to explore predictors of CAM use.

Results

A total of 108 patients completed a standardized survey (59 % response rate). Overall, 42 % of respondents reported the use of at least one type of CAM. Users and non-users of CAM did not differ based upon demographics, diagnosis, staging, smoking status, quality of life, or perceived understanding of cancer diagnosis. In the multivariate analysis, patients who reported feeling fearful about their future were four times more likely to be CAM users when compared to those who did not specify this emotion (odds ratio = 4.18; 95 % CI = 1.23–14.12; p = 0.02). Commonly cited reasons for CAM use were to support one’s self, boost immunity, and for improvements in emotional and/or spiritual well-being.

Conclusions

Prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients in this study was similar to the general US population. Feeling fearful about the future was associated with CAM use. Results suggest that patients may be turning to CAM as a therapeutic adjunct to actively cope with emotional distress surrounding the cancer experience.

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Conflict of interest

This research was funded in part by a Physician Training Award in Preventive Medicine from the American Cancer Society (Dr. Mahoney, PI) supporting specialized training in Cancer Prevention and Control for Dr. Bismark. The study was conducted while Dr. Bismark was completing a residency at the University at Buffalo. She does not have any other financial relationship with the American Cancer Society to disclose.

Additionally, Dr. Bismark maintains full control of all primary data. She will agree to allow the journal to have access to and review data if requested.

Funding

This research was funded in part by a Physician Training Award in Preventive Medicine from the American Cancer Society (Dr. Mahoney, PI) supporting specialized training in Cancer Prevention and Control for Dr. Bismark.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Rashmi S. Bismark, Hongbin Chen, Grace K. Dy & Martin C. Mahoney

  2. SUNY University, School of Public Health and Health Professions, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Rashmi S. Bismark, Elizabeth A. Gage-Bouchard & Martin C. Mahoney

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  1. Rashmi S. Bismark
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  2. Hongbin Chen
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  3. Grace K. Dy
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Correspondence to Rashmi S. Bismark.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Table 4 Classification of complementary and alternative medicines
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Bismark, R.S., Chen, H., Dy, G.K. et al. Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients with thoracic malignancies. Support Care Cancer 22, 1857–1866 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2144-0

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