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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-09-2005 | Original Article

The behaviors of seeking a second opinion from other health-care professionals and the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine in gynecologic cancer patients

Authors: K. F. Tam, D. K. L. Cheng, T. Y. Ng, H. Y. S. Ngan

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 9/2005

Abstract

Goals of work

The aim of the study is to determine the predictors for seeking a second opinion and the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among gynecologic cancer patients.

Patients and methods

Patients attending a gynecologic cancer clinic of a tertiary referral center were recruited over a period of 1 year. A survey was conducted for all the participants in a one-on-one basis.

Main results

One hundred ninety-one patients were recruited. Eighty patients (41.9%) had consulted other health-care professionals (HCP) for a second opinion after they were diagnosed to have cancer and 89 (46.6%) had utilized CAM. In multivariate analysis, late-stage disease (OR=2.65, 95% CI 1.26–5.58), treatment with radiotherapy (OR=2.27, 95% CI 1.19–4.33) and tertiary education (OR=11.28, 95% CI 3.06–41.54) were independent predictors for seeking a second opinion from other HCP and utilization of CAM. Patients who sought a second opinion from other HCP were more likely to utilize CAM (OR=6.12, 95% CI 3.24–11.54). Eighty percent of the patients did not inform their usual caregiver their utilization of CAM.

Conclusions

Seeking a second opinion from other HCP is common in gynecologic cancer patients. Patients who seek a second opinion are more likely to utilize CAM.

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Title: The behaviors of seeking a second opinion from other health-care professionals and the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine in gynecologic cancer patients
Authors: K. F. Tam
D. K. L. Cheng
T. Y. Ng
H. Y. S. Ngan
Publication date: 01-09-2005
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 9/2005
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-005-0841-4

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Abstract

Goals of work

Patients and methods

Main results

Conclusions

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