Use of complementary/alternative medicine by breast cancer survivors in Ontario: Prevalence and perceptions

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of use of complementary/alternative me dicine (CAM) by breast cancer survivors in Ontario, Canada, and to compare the characteristics of CAM users and CAM nonusers. Patients and Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of Onta rio women diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 or 1995. Results: The response rate was 76.3%. Overall, 66.7% of the respondents rep orted using CAM, most often in an attempt to boost the immune system. CAM p ractitioners (mast commonly chiropractors, herbalists, acupuncturists, trad itional Chinese medicine practitioners, and/or naturopathic practitioners) were visited by 39.4% of the respondents. In addition, 62.0% reported use o f CAM products (mast frequently vitamins/minerals, herbal medicines, green tea, special foods, and essiac), Almost one half of the respondents informe d their physicians of their use of CAM. Multiple logistic regression analys is determined that support group attendance was the only factor significant ly associated with CAM use. Conclusion: CAM use is common among Canadian breast cancer survivors, many of whom are discussing CAM therapy options with their physicians. Knowledge of CAM therapies is necessary for physicians and other health care practit ioners to help patients make informed choices. CAM use may play a role in t he positive benefits associated with support group attendance. J Clin Oncol 18:2515-2521. (C) 2000 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.