SURVEY ON THE USE OF QUESTIONABLE METHODS OF CANCER-TREATMENT

Background: Despite the improvement of cancer treatments, unproven and useless therapies are widely adopted among cancer patients and their families. Little information is available on the actual magnitude of s uch a phenomenon. Methods: Two anonymous, similarly aimed surveys were independently carried out in Italy and Argentina on cancer patients a nd their families by two research groups. Results: Respectively 563 an d 400 questionnaires were distributed, The percentage of patients and/ or families involved in unsound care (17%) was similar in both surveys . Of these treatments, 20%-38% were proposed by physicians, but relati ves, friends and mass-media had an equally important role. The costs o f such care was difficult to estimate. Conclusions: Real and exhaustiv e efforts are needed by Health Care Organizations, which must execute a policy of information and education towards the public and professio nals, as well as declare unethical the use of unproven therapies which claim cancer cure but simply create false hopes. All oncologists shou ld be aware of the use of these treatments for cancer patients, even c oncomitantly with conventional care.