Trends in CAM Use by Breast Cancer Survivors
Author Information
Author(s): Heather S Boon, Olatunde Folashade, Suzanna M Zick
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
The study aims to compare overall patterns of CAM use by women diagnosed with breast cancer at two different points in time (1998 vs 2005).
Conclusion
CAM use significantly increased from 1998 to 2005, with over 80% of women with breast cancer reporting its use.
Supporting Evidence
- 66.7% of women reported using CAM in 1998 compared to 81.9% in 2005.
- Use of CAM products/therapies increased from 62% in 1998 to 70.6% in 2005.
- Visits to CAM practitioners rose from 39.4% in 1998 to 57.4% in 2005.
- 41% of women in 2005 used CAM specifically for treating their breast cancer.
Takeaway
More women with breast cancer are using alternative treatments like herbal remedies and therapies to help with their illness than before.
Methodology
Surveys were mailed to women randomly selected from the Ontario Cancer Registry in 1998 and 2005.
Potential Biases
Physicians' permission was required to contact patients, which may have influenced the sample.
Limitations
Recall bias is a possible limitation, and the 2005 cohort was surveyed closer to their diagnosis than the 1998 cohort.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 18 and older diagnosed with breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0002
Statistical Significance
p = 0.0002
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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