Men with Prostate Cancer: Making Decisions about Complementary/Alternative Medicine

Boon, Heather; Brown, Judith Belle; Gavin, Alan; Westlake, Kelly P.

doi:10.1177/0272989x03259815

Cited by 62 publications

(67 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Further, male and female cancer patients both describe family members, friends, and fellow cancer survivors to be highly influential in their CAM decisions 15,16,35,36 . Members of a patient's social network can take on a variety of decision-support roles depending on a patient's diagnosis and stage of illness, and the nature of their relationship with the patient 35,36 .…”

Section: 13mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As a result, patients seek information about CAM from a multitude of sources, although there is a preference to seek assistance from trusted individuals who are perceived as being credible, such as oncologists, family physicians, or regulated CAM practitioners (a naturopathic physician, for instance) 14,16,39 . Whether these health professionals have the training, knowledge, or interest to discuss CAM therapy options with cancer patients, however, is discussed in elsewhere in this issue 40 .…”

Section: 22mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, some of these patients have described feeling "pushed" towards CAM as result of their beliefs about conventional cancer treatments being "toxic," "poisonous," or immunosuppressive 21,37 . Still others have turned toward CAM because of their dissatisfaction with conventional care, including the quality and quantity of their interactions with health professionals, the adverse effects of conventional treatment, and their experiences with ineffective therapies 16,35,37,44,45 . These latter patients are most at risk of abandoning conventional care in lieu of alternative treatments.…”

Section: 23mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Patient Decision-Making about Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Management: Context and Process

2008

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ObjectiveIn this paper, we set out to describe the personal and social contexts of treatment decisions made by cancer patients concerning complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and also the process through which cancer patients reach CAM decisions throughout the cancer trajectory. MethodsWe selected and reviewed a variety of CAM decisionmaking models published in the past 10 years within the Canadian health literature. ResultsThe CAM decision-making process is influenced by a variety of sociodemographic, disease-related, psychological, and social factors. We reviewed four main phases of the CAM decision-making process:• Taking stock of treatment options • Gathering and evaluating CAM information • Making CAM decisions • Revisiting the CAM decision Immediately following diagnosis, cancer patients become interested in taking stock of the full spectrum of conventional and CAM treatment options that may enhance the effectiveness of their treatment and mediate potential side effects. Information about CAM is then gathered from numerous information sources that vary in terms of credibility and scientific legitimacy, and is evaluated. When making a decision regarding CAM options, patients attempt to make sense of the diverse information obtained, while acknowledging their beliefs and values. The CAM decision is often revisited at key milestones, such as the end of conventional treatment and when additional information about disease, prognosis, and treatment is obtained. ConclusionsThe CAM decision-making process is a dynamic and iterative process that is influenced by a complex array of personal and social factors. Oncology health professionals need to be prepared to offer decision support related to CAM throughout the cancer trajectory.

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Section: 13mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: 22mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: 23mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Patient Decision-Making about Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Management: Context and Process

2008

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“…A small study (n=14) noted women using CAM for menopausal symptoms felt in control through their choices, and described CAM as "natural" and effective. 4 Studies of CAM use more generally indicate that people report using CAM because it is congruent with their values and philosophical orientation towards health and life, 5 is perceived to be safer and have fewer side effects than medication, 6,7 seems to be effective, 6,8 and helps them feel in control 6 . Patient-clinician communication about CAM is poor.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Menopause: A Qualitative Analysis of Women’s Decision Making

2008

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“…Many studies have focused on a single cancer type, primarily breast [14][15][16][17] or prostate cancer, [18][19][20] or a small number of the most common cancer types. 21,22 Most studies involve patients in active treatment, 11,18,20,[22][23][24] although a small number have explored CM use among limited groups of survivors. 5,15,25,26 Although this information is valuable, little research has explored CM use by survivors of less common cancers or those not treated at major cancer centers.…”

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confidence: 99%

A population‐based study of prevalence of complementary methods use by cancer survivors

Gansler

Kaw

Crammer

et al. 2008

Cancer

150

117

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BACKGROUND.The use of complementary methods (CMs) is widespread and increasing in the United States. Most literature on CM use among cancer survivors focuses on the treatment period, whereas only a few studies address use further along the cancer continuum.METHODS.This study analyzed the prevalence and the medical and demographic associations of CM use among cancer survivors surveyed 10 to 24 months after diagnosis. The study's sample—4139 survivors of 1 of 10 adult cancers—was selected from stratified random samples provided by statewide cancer registries and surveyed by mail and telephone. Three logistic regression models examined associations between medical and demographic factors and CM use among survivors of sex‐specific and non–sex‐specific cancers.RESULTS.Of the 19 CMs included in the survey, the CMs most frequently reported were prayer/spiritual practice (61.4%), relaxation (44.3%), faith/spiritual healing (42.4%), nutritional supplements/vitamins (40.1%), meditation (15%), religious counseling (11.3%), massage (11.2%), and support groups (9.7%). Among these 19 CMs, the least prevalent were hypnosis (0.4%), biofeedback therapy (1.0%), and acupuncture/acupressure (1.2%). Survivors more likely to use CMs were female, younger, white, higher income, and more educated.CONCLUSIONS.This study provides information regarding prevalence and medical–demographic determinants of CM use reported by a large, population‐based sample of survivors of 10 cancers surveyed 10 to 24 months after diagnosis. These findings may be used by clinicians and researchers to inform their decisions regarding which CMs to address in practice and research. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.

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Men with Prostate Cancer: Making Decisions about Complementary/Alternative Medicine

Abstract: The participants in this study appeared more likely to be "pushed" toward using CAM by negative experiences with the health care system than to be "pulled" toward CAM by perceptions about its safety or congruence with their beliefs about health and illness.

Cited by 62 publications

References 16 publications

Patient Decision-Making about Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Management: Context and Process

Patient Decision-Making about Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Management: Context and Process

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Menopause: A Qualitative Analysis of Women’s Decision Making

A population‐based study of prevalence of complementary methods use by cancer survivors

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