BACKGROUND. In the current study, the authors attempted to surmount the def
iciencies of previous surveys and elicit information regarding the use of a
lternative treatments of cancer worldwide.
METHODS. The International Union Against Cancer (UICC), an international, n
ongovernment volunteer organization, E-mailed a questionnaire concerning al
ternative therapy use to its members.
RESULTS. A total of 83 responses from 33 countries were received. Descripti
ve analyses of this dataset were conducted, indicating the existence of a l
arge and heterogeneous group of unproved remedies used to treat cancer in b
oth developed and developing countries around the world.
CONCLUSIONS, Improved public education concerning the importance of early m
edical attention and the value of documented cancer therapies, the wider av
ailability of useful cancer treatments, and public policies that are sensit
ive to the patient's need to play a meaningful role in his or her own care
are required. (C) 2000 American Cancer Society.