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Research: NOVAK and CHAPMAN,
Listed in Issue 80
Abstract
NOVAK and CHAPMAN, Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, explored the comparative attitudes of complementary/alternative therapists (in this instance, naturopaths ) versus conventional physicians (oncologists ) regarding the role of diet/nutrition in breast cancer .
Background
Methodology
Information was obtained using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 10 naturopaths and 10 oncologists . Interviews were taped and later transcribed and analysed.
Results
The oncologists' view was that there was little evidence from randomized controlled trials to indicate that diet played a role in the prevention or treatment of breast cancer. Oncologists gave only general advice on healthy eating to patients. Conversely, the naturopaths' view was that there was convincing evidence from various types of studies and from clinical experience suggestive of a strong link between the development and course/outcome of breast cancer . Naturopaths gave specific suggestions to patients regarding dietary constituents .
Conclusion
Patients need to be aware of the differing views of complementary versus orthodox healthcare providers in order to make their own more informed choices about their healthcare options.
References
Novak KL, Chapman GE. Oncologists' and naturopaths' nutrition beliefs and practices. Cancer Practice 9 (3): 141-6. May-Jun 2001.
Comment
What a revealing study! Oncologists don't think that there is a link between diet and cancer, whereas naturopaths think that diet may play an important role in returning to optimum health. No wonder that cancer specialists never pay any attention to diet, no matter how much evidence accumulates regarding the therapeutic clinical effects of nutrition upon cancer outcome. Surprise, surprise!
