Complementary and alternative medicine in gynaecologic oncology.

Objectives: To explore complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among gynaecologic oncology patients in Nova Scotia.

Methods: Over a 3-month period, 163 patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire concerning CAM. Those entering the study provided demographic information such as age, address, and employment status, as well as medical information and details of their use of alternative therapies.

Results: A total of 152 patients were entered into the study, giving a response rate of 93.3%. Of these, 116 had used at least one type of CAM, classifying them as users (76.3%). Women who considered themselves "more religious" were more likely to be CAM users (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences found between users and nonusers with respect to other patient characteristics reported. Patients with cervical cancer were less likely to use CAM than participants with another primary gynaecological malignancy (P = 0.040). The most frequent CAM therapy practised was spirituality/prayer (52.6%). Most women used CAM to improve their physical well-being, and 53.3% of the women were interested in receiving more information on CAM.

Conclusion: A significant number of women undergoing conventional treatment for gynaecologic cancer in Halifax, Nova Scotia, also use CAM. Women are using CAM for numerous reasons and believe they are benefiting from CAM in many ways. Physicians need to be aware of this high usage rate and should explore their patients' attitudes to and opinions about CAM.