Many Cancer Patients Turn to Alternative Medicine 

More than 70 percent of adult cancer patients in western Washington use alternative therapies, and almost all report improvements in well-being as a result, a new study shows.

The research, the first population-based study of its kind to look at predictors, motivators, and costs of different types of alternative medicine use in adults with cancer, was conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The findings were published in a recent issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Researcher Ruth E. Patterson and her colleagues at Fred Hutchinson's Public Health Sciences Division led the study, which was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute and funds from Fred Hutchinson.

"This is the first study to specifically inquire about patients' attitudes regarding the effectiveness of alternative treatments," Patterson says.

Patients were considered users of alternative medicine if they received care from an alternative provider within the past year or had used at least one alternative supplement or therapy.

Depending on the type of therapy, 83 percent to 97 percent of patients surveyed said they used alternative medicine for general health, and nearly all reported that use of these therapies improved their well-being.

A smaller number of those surveyed, between 8 percent and 56 percent, turned to alternative interventions to actually treat their cancer.

The most common form of alternative treatment was the use of dietary supplements, which were taken by 65 percent of the patients, many of whom used several such products simultaneously.

Cancer type also appeared to influence alternative therapy use: for example, those with breast cancer were significantly more likely to see alternative providers or take dietary supplements than were colon cancer patients.

"Since most therapies were used to enhance overall health and well-being, it seems unlikely that patients would substitute these therapies for conventional medicine," Patterson says.

But, she adds, "doctors should be wary of discounting alternative medicine, given that the majority of patients overwhelmingly feel it improves their quality of life."

The survey was based on telephone interviews with 356 adults who had been diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colon cancer between February 1997 and December 1998. The group was divided equally among men and women, with equal representation among the three types of cancer.

One limitation to the study, Patterson notes, is that use of alternative medicine could be high in western Washington for a variety of reasons.

First, vitamin use is highest in the western United States compared to other areas of the nation. Also, health insurers in Washington are required by state law to provide coverage for licensed alternative providers.

"Regardless of incidence of alternative medicine use in Washington, other studies also indicate that alternative medicine use is common in patients with cancer," Patterson adds.

Always consult your physician for more information.

Before considering complementary or alternative medicine:

Most complementary and alternative medicine fields are not standardized or controlled by any Western medical guidelines. Always consult your physician before beginning any complementary or alternative medicine therapy, as some therapies may interfere with standard cancer treatment.

Being an informed healthcare consumer when considering complementary or alternative medicine is important. Ways to gather information before starting any therapy include:

• consulting your physician.

• researching on the Internet.

• researching in the library (books, articles, and scientific journals).

• speaking with others who have tried the therapy.

• looking for controlled, scientific studies about the therapy, whenever possible.

What warning signs may indicate a fraudulent therapy?

According to the American Cancer Society, if a treatment has the following warning signs, it is better to avoid it:

• treatment based on unproven theories

• treatment that promises a cure

• patient is told not to use standard/conventional medicine

• treatment is a secret and can only be give by certain providers

• treatment requires travel to another country

• treatment providers discount standard/conventional medicine

Frequently asked questions regarding complementary or alternative therapy for cancer patients:

Is hypnosis effective in cancer treatment?

Due to a lack of evidence, scientists do not know if hypnosis affects cancer cells or the immune system in any way. Hypnosis is not a medical treatment for cancer, however, there may be an important role for hypnosis in managing cancer. It is been effective in helping patients with pain, stress, depression, fears, and anxiety. And there is some evidence that hypnosis is effective in helping patients cope with many difficult aspects of cancer treatment.

Are dietary supplements safe for cancer patients?

Not all medicines and dietary supplements you find on the shelves at the stores are proven to be safe. The American Cancer Society warns that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require manufacturers of these products to print possible side effects on their labels. And if they do get complaints, the FDA cannot get a dietary supplement or herbal product off the market unless scientists can prove that the product is unsafe.

Can herbal supplements treat cancer?

The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, there is a resurgence in the use of herbal supplements among American consumers. However, herbal supplements are not for everyone. In fact, some herbal products can cause problems for people undergoing cancer therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Because they are not subject to close scrutiny by the FDA or other governing agencies, the use of herbal supplements is controversial. 

Does art therapy help people with cancer?

The American Cancer Society states that art therapy has not undergone rigorous scientific study to determine its therapeutic value for people with cancer, but many clinicians have observed and documented significant benefits among people who have participated in art therapy. 

Many art therapists believe art therapy works partly because the creative act can be healing. The act of creating art influences brain wave patterns and the chemicals released by the brain. It helps people express hidden emotions, reduces stress, fear, and anxiety, and provides a sense of freedom. Art therapy may also be used to distract patients from anxiety or pain associated with cancer diagnosis, treatment, or recovery.

Online Resources

American Cancer Society

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

National Cancer Society

National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The National Council Against Health Fraud, Inc.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

October 2002

Before Considering Complementary or Alternative Medicine

What Warning Signs May Indicate a Fraudulent Therapy?

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Complementary or Alternative Therapy for Cancer Patients (Part 1)

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Complementary or Alternative Therapy for Cancer Patients (Part 2)

Online Resources 

Frequently asked questions regarding complementary or alternative therapy for cancer patients (continued):

Does dance therapy help cancer patients?

Dance therapy has not been studied enough to know if there are any unique health benefits to cancer patients. There is some evidence that it is effective in improving self-esteem and reducing stress, which is important to cancer patients as they move through the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. It is also an effective form of exercise for some cancer patients.

The American Cancer Society reports that physical activity is known to increase special neurotransmitter substances in the brain (endorphins), which create a state of well-being. And total body movement such as dance enhances the functions of other body systems, such as circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, and muscular systems. Dance therapy can help people stay physically fit and enjoy the pleasure of creating rhythmic motions with their bodies.

How does music therapy help people with cancer?

Music therapy is helpful when it is used along with conventional cancer treatment. It has been shown to have a positive effect on the autonomic nervous system that controls heart rate, breathing, and other functions in the body. 

The American Cancer Society's Guide to Complementary and Alternative Methods states that scientific studies have shown the positive value of music therapy on the body, mind, and spirit of children and adults. Researchers have found that music therapy used along with anti-emetic drugs (drugs that relieve nausea and vomiting) for patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy can be effective in easing the physical symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Also, when used in combination with pain-relieving drugs, music has been found to decrease the overall intensity of the patient's experience of pain.

Does imagery help a person with cancer?

Imagery is said to be a relaxation technique, similar to meditation, that has physical and psychological effects. Promoters claim it can relax the mind and body by decreasing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and altering brain waves. Some proponents also claim imagery can relieve physical pain and emotional anxiety, improve the effectiveness of drug therapies, and provide emotional insights. Practitioners use imagery to treat people with phobias and depression, reduce stress, increase motivation, promote relaxation, increase control over one's life, improve communication, and even to stop smoking. Imagery is also used in biofeedback, hypnosis, and neuro-linguistic programming. For people with cancer, some supporters of imagery have found the techniques can alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, relieve stress associated with having cancer, enhance the immune system, facilitate weight gain, combat depression, and reduce pain.

Does distraction help in cancer treatment?

It does not cure cancer to take your attention off of it, but studies show that distracting your mind from unpleasant thoughts, pain, or unpleasant procedures does make patients feel better and more comfortable. 

Distraction has been tested on patients while they were having potentially uncomfortable clinical procedures such as chemotherapy. It has produced positive results in both children and adults. In one interesting study children aged 8 to 18 who were receiving chemotherapy were distracted by playing a computer game or participating in a virtual reality experience. The children who were distracted had significantly lower pulse rates and complained less of pain. In contrast, some of the children who did not have the distraction during the procedure “yelled out” and expressed discomfort. In another study with adults, they reported less discomfort during the procedure and had lower levels of nausea and other side effects several days afterward.

How is yoga used in cancer treatment?

Yoga is a good way to relax and lower stress and anxiety. The American Cancer Society says that as a complementary therapy, yoga can create a sense of well-being and may improve the quality of life for some patients with cancer. It has been shown to relieve some symptoms associated with cancer such as stress, pain, headaches, and insomnia. However, it will not slow the growth or spread of a cancer.

Always consult your physician for more information on complementary or alternative medicine.