Positive Health Online
Your Country
![[Image: http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2836.df7d2315253110ff5b3a566f94871f99.jpg "http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk")
![[Image: https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/4046.12831f50177f8848ee87b8e94411d6b3.jpg "https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/")
![[Image: http://www.balens.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2148.50367fa908013fae0a7f1a171543ef92.jpg "http://www.balens.co.uk")
![[Image: http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/1859.1296090fd8385e7ceff51c8011559097.jpg "http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer")
Research: BOON and colleagues, Cent
Listed in Issue 58
Abstract
BOON and colleagues, Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. heather.boon@utoronto.ca described the use of complementary/alternative medicine by breast cancer survivors.
Background
Methodology
A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of women diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 or 1995.
Results
The response rate was 76.3%. Overall 66.7% of the respondents reported using CAM, most often in an attempt to boost the immune system. CAM practitioners (most commonly chiropractors, herbalists, acupuncturists, traditional Chinese medicine and/or naturopathic practitioners) were visited by 39.4% of the respondents. In addition, 62% reported use of CAM products (most frequently vitamins/minerals, herbal medicines, green tea, special foods and essaic). Almost one half of the respondents informed their physicians of their use of CAM. Multiple logistic regression analysis determined that support group attendance was the only factor significantly associated with CAM use.
Conclusion
The authors conclude that 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 practitioners to help patients make informed choices. CAM use may play a role in the positive benefits associated with support group attendance.
References
Boon H et al. Use of complementary/alternative medicine by breast cancer survivors in Ontario: prevalence and perceptions. Journal of Clinical Oncology 18(13): 2515-21. Jul 2000.
