Why do cancer patients turn to alternative medicine?

Journal/Book: SCHWEIZ-MED-WOCHENSCHR, 1991, Vol/Iss/Pg. 121/27-28 (1029-1034), ISSN:0036-7672.. 1991;

Abstract: 160 patients (53.3%) replied to an anonymous questionnaire distributedto 300 consecutive patients of our Outpatient Oncology Clinic. 83patients (53%) mentioned some experience of one or more alternativemethods of cancer treatment. Most often cited were various herbal teas(35 instances), beetroot juice (16), Vogel plant extracts (15), layingon of hands (14), homeopathic medicine (13), the mistletoe extractIscador (13), magnetopathy (12), various diets (10), acupuncture (10)and psychological methods (9). Resort to alternative methods oftreatment correlated significantly with lower age (51.5 years vs 59.8years, p = 0.001). The reasons for using alternative medicine were thedesire to do everything possible to regain health (49), to use one'spsychological forces as well (35), reports of successful cancer cures(28), desire for a holistic approach (23), hope of 'softer' medicinewith less severe side effects (18) and, in 7 cases only, disappointmentwith conventional university medicine. The major source of informationwas relatives and friends, not the mass media. The physician should beaware of the locally available alternative medicine options and be ableto advise his patients accordingly. He should also recognize and givedue consideration to the patient's underlying desire for better controlof his disease and a more holistic approach to care.

Keyword(s): Medical:cancer-patient

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