Research: WELLS and co-workers,

Listed in Issue 143

Abstract

WELLS and co-workers, School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6918, USA, have surveyed the use of CAM by women with lung cancer.

Background

Complementary and alternative medicine use by cancer patients, especially women, is increasing. CAM use among patients with lung cancer, who have been reported to have the highest symptom burden, is poorly documented. This study describes types and frequencies of specific CAM therapies used by women with lung cancer to manage symptoms, and examines differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between CAM users and non-CAM users.

Methodology

Participants included 189 women with non-small cell lung cancer and at least 1 of 8 symptoms. Six CAM therapies, used to control symptoms, were assessed, including herbs, tea, acupuncture, massage, meditation, and prayer.

Results

44% used CAM therapies, including Prayer (34.9%), Meditation (11.6%), Tea (11.6%), Herbs (9.0%), Massage (6.9%), and Acupuncture (2.6%). CAM use was greatest for difficulty breathing and pain (54.8% each), with prayer the most commonly used CAM for all symptoms. Significant differences (p < .05) were found for age, symptom frequency, and geographic location. Women who were younger, experienced more symptoms, and lived on the West Coast or South (vs Northeast) were more likely to use CAM. We found that CAM use is variable by symptom and may be an indicator of symptom burden.

Conclusion

These results provide important initial data regarding CAM use for managing symptoms by women with lung cancer.

References

Wells M, Sarna L, Cooley ME, Brown JK, Chernecky C, Williams RD, Padilla G, Danao LL. Use of complementary and alternative medicine therapies to control symptoms in women living with lung cancer. Cancer Nursing 30 (1): 45-55; Jan-Feb 2007.

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