The prevalence of complementary/alternative medicine in cancer : A systematic review

Author(s): Ernst, E., Cassileth, B. R.

Journal/Book: Cancer. 1998; 83(4): 777-782.

Abstract: Background. Complementary/alternative cancer treatments are believed to be prevalent. However, reliable prevalence rates do not exist. The aim of this review was to summarize the existing data on this topic. Methods. A series of computerized literature searches was performed to locate all published studies documenting the prevalence of complementary and/or alternative therapy (CAM) use among patients with cancer. Results. A total of 26 surveys from 13 countries, including 4 studies of pediatric patients, was retrieved. The use of CAM therapies in adult populations ranged from 7-64%. The average prevalence across all adult studies was 31.4 %. tudy reflect the primarily adjunctive use of CAM treatments. Future studies should use a standardized protocol to determine the true prevalence of these therapies more closely.

Keyword(s): krebs altern.

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