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Research: WYATT and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 52
Abstract
WYATT and colleagues, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing USA conducted a study to assess the use of complementary therapies among older cancer patients.
Background
Methodology
The authors conducted a survey of 699 older cancer patients from Michigan, aged 64 years or older and who had received a diagnosis of breast, colorectal, prostate or lung cancer, at 4 and 6 weeks into their cancer treatment. Outcome measures included self-reported physical symptoms, depressive symptomatology, optimism, spirituality and use of conventional and complementary health services.
Results
About 33% of older cancer patients reported using complementary therapies. These people were more likely to be women breast cancer patients with a higher level of education. The three most frequently used therapies were exercise, herbal therapy and spiritual healing. Users of complementary therapies were significantly more optimistic than nonusers. There were significant differences between users and nonusers regarding types of physical symptoms experience; however there were no reported differences about depressive symptomatology or spirituality.
Conclusion
Oncology providers should be aware that one third of their older patients are supplementing conventional care with complementary therapies and become knowledgeable regarding the safety and efficacy of exercise programmes, herbal and vitamin therapies and spiritual healing. It would be useful to develop a system within cancer centres whereby cancer patients could easily report their use of complementary therapies, enabling providers to work in partnership with their patients.
References
Wyatt GK et al. Complementary therapy use among older cancer patients. Cancer Practice 7(3): 136-44. May-Jun 1999.
Comment
Pity that the authors' goal in compiling information about complementary cancer therapies appears to be more of concern that therapies such as exercise, spiritual healing and herbal and vitamin supplements could be harmful! A bit rich compared to the fairly brutal and toxic cancer treatments of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy!
