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Research: WARRICK and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 44
Abstract
WARRICK and colleagues, Wharton Head and Neck Centre, The Toronto Hospital/Princess Margaret Hospital, Ontario, Canada studied the prevalence of alternative medicine use in head and neck cancer patients and its correlation with demographics and tumour characteristics.
Background
Methodology
This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted a 2 tertiary cancer centres, with 200 consecutive outpatients, consisting of a 10- to 25-minute patient interview administered by a primary investigator. The main outcome measures were demographic markers, tumour characteristics, conventional treatment mode, attitudes regarding alternative medicine, source of exposure to alternative medicine, therapeutic rationale, treatment efficacy, sources of information, and discussions with physicians regarding alternative medicine.
Results
38.5% (n = 77) of 200 patients had used alternative medicine for some purpose; 22.5% (n = 45) of 200 did so for head and neck cancer. There was increased use of alternative medicine in younger patients, having a post-secondary education, higher personal income and Indo-Asian extraction. In patients using alternative anticancer therapy, increased use was noted with patients with tumours of the nasopharynx, nonsquamous cell carcinoma pathology and recurrent disease. There was no association between conventional mode of treatment and alternative medicine use. Physicians were believed to be the most knowledgeable regarding alternative medicine, whereas the usual proponents of alternative medicine were identified least frequently.
Conclusion
Alternative cancer therapy use among patients with head and neck cancer was 22.5%. There was increased use in younger, affluent, better educated patients and those of Indo-Asian extraction. Patients view physicians as being knowledgeable regarding alternative medicine. Otolaryngologists ought to be more informed regarding alternative medicine in order to counsel patients more effectively.
References
Warrick PD et al. Use of alternative medicine among patients with head and neck cancer. Archives of Otolaryngology 125(5): 573-9 May 1999.
