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Journal of Cancer Survivorship

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01-06-2019 | Anxiety

Use of complementary/integrative methods: cancer survivors’ misconceptions about recurrence prevention

Authors: Ted Gansler, Sara Strollo, Elizabeth Fallon, Corinne Leach

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Many cancer survivors use complementary and alternative health methods (CAM). Because we are unaware of high-level evidence supporting CAM for preventing cancer recurrence, we studied post-treatment survivors who use CAM to assess (1) the percentage who included preventing recurrence as a motive for using CAM, (2) characteristics of survivors who use CAM intended to prevent recurrence, and (3) CAM domains associated with use for recurrence prevention.

Methods

We studied participants in the American Cancer Society’s Study of Cancer Survivors-I (nationwide study of adult survivors) who used CAM (excluding osteopathy, yoga, tai chi, or qi gong users, as well as anyone whose only reported CAM was prayer/meditation). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations of independent variables with CAM use for recurrence prevention.

Results

Among 1220 survivors using CAM, 14.8% reported recurrence prevention as a reason for CAM use (although only 0.4% indicated this was their only reason). The following were independently associated with odds of CAM use to prevent recurrence: not being married/in a marriage-like relationship (OR = 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–2.23), using mind–body (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.08–2.51) or biologically based (OR = 4.11, 95% CI 1.96–8.59) CAM and clinically relevant fear of recurrence (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.38–2.78).

Conclusions

Approximately 1/7 of survivors who use CAM have unrealistic expectations about CAM reducing recurrence risk. This expectation is strongly associated with the use of biologically based CAM.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Patient education should support informed decisions and realistic expectations regarding any complementary/integrative or mainstream/conventional clinical intervention.

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Title: Use of complementary/integrative methods: cancer survivors’ misconceptions about recurrence prevention
Authors: Ted Gansler
Sara Strollo
Elizabeth Fallon
Corinne Leach
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Anxiety
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-019-00762-0

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Implications for Cancer Survivors

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