| Summary: | Thesis (MNutr (Human Nutrition))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. === Background: Cancer patients have been documented to use complementary and
alternative medicine (CAM) frequently, a subject that has been extensively researched.
There is however a lack in the current literature of controlled studies that investigate the
prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients compared to non-cancer controls.
Aim: To assess and compare the prevalence of dietary related CAM use among adult
cancer patients and non-cancer controls in the Norwich area, England.
Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were used to survey cancer patients
attending a comprehensive cancer centre in Norwich, and non-cancer controls attending
three dental surgeries also in the Norwich area. Questions addressed patient
demographics, information relating to cancer diagnosis (cancer cases only) and
information on CAM use. CAM users were asked about types and duration of CAM use,
reasons for use, information sources used, disclosure to health professionals, reported
side effects and benefits and satisfaction with CAM therapies.
Results: Questionnaires were distributed to 132 cancer cases and 126 controls, with 98
and 96 assessable replies received from the cases and controls respectively. Overall,
47% of the cancer cases used CAM, in comparison to 53% of the control group, with no
significant difference (p=0.673) between the two groups. Large quantities of juice,
multivitamins, fish oils and glucosamine were the most popular CAM therapies among
the two groups. Usage was significantly associated with the cancer site (p=0.036) and
duration of cancer diagnosis (p=0.050). Only 54% of the cancer cases and 44% of the
controls informed a health professional about their CAM use. The main reasons for
using CAM were to boost the immune system and to improve quality of life. Reported
benefits included increased optimism and hope.
Conclusions: Although CAM was commonly used by British cancer patients, there was
no significant difference in comparison to the non-cancer controls. Therefore, increased
awareness and knowledge of CAM use should not be limited only to those working with
oncology patients, but be extended to health professionals in all patient groups.
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