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Research: HABERMANN and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 171
Abstract
HABERMANN and COLLEAGUES, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA conducted a pilot study to study the usage of complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in long-term (5-20 years) lymphoma survivors.
Background
No published survey has specifically addressed the beliefs, knowledge, and usage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in long-term (5-20 years) lymphoma survivors alone.
Methodology
In this pilot project, 95 subjects were randomly selected from a population of 2,475 long-term lymphoma survivors and mailed a questionnaire.
Results
The median time from lymphoma diagnosis to completion of the questionnaire was 11 years (range 6-20). Overall, 68% (95% CI: 54-80%) of the long-term lymphoma survivors reported that they have used CAM, a rate higher than the estimated usage rate reported for the general population The most commonly used modalities were chiropractic (39%, 95% CI: 27-53%) and massage therapy (21%, 95% CI: 12-34%). Less than 10% used meditation (5%, 95% CI: 1-15%) and relaxation (7%, 95% CI: 2-17%). In terms of common herbal usage, 5% (95% CI: 1-15%) had used St. John's Wort and 7% (95% CI: 2-17%) had used shark cartilage. Although none of the patients reported that CAM usage was directed specifically towards treating their lymphoma, 4% (95% CI: 0-12%) of patients reported that CAM could cure cancer, and 14% (95% CI: 6-26%) reported that CAM could increase their feeling of control over their health.
Conclusion
This pilot study suggests that long-term lymphoma survivors appear to use CAM at a rate higher than the general population. The use of potential agents of risk by the survivors and the lack of access to potentially beneficial modalities highlights the need for further study of CAM in this population. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
References
Habermann TM, Thompson CA, LaPlant BR, Bauer BA, Janney CA, Clark MM, Rummans TA, Maurer MJ, Sloan JA, Geyer SM and Cerhan JR. Complementary and alternative medicine use among long-term lymphoma survivors: a pilot study. American Journal of Hematology. 84(12): 795-8, Dec 2009. Comment in: Am J Hematol. 84(12): 788-9. Dec 2009; PMID: 19877109], Comment in: Am J Hematol. 84(12): 785-7. Dec 2009; PMID: 19894246], Comment in: Am J Hematol..84(12): 782-4. Dec 2009.; PMID: 19937803].
