The recent results of a study of cancer patients who use alternative therapies as part of their treatment for cancer found that women with breast cancer were five times more likely to seek out the services of an alternative health-care provider and twice as likely to take dietary supplements. More than 70 percent of adult cancer patients who use alternative therapies indicated a greater sense of well-being as a result of using alternative medicine.

Cancer patients in the survey who used alternative therapy were most likely to use vitamins, minerals, herbals and botanicals. In addition, they used the services of naturopathic doctors, spiritual advisors or massage therapists, and some form of mental or energy-based therapy such as biofeedback, hypnotism, guided imagery, crystals, chelation therapy or magnets.

The study findings suggest several key messages for health-care practitioners. "First, 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 said. "Second, doctors should be wary of discounting alternative medicine, given that the majority of patients overwhelmingly feel it improves their quality of life. It is important for clinicians to show an open attitude toward alternative medicine if they want patients to engage in frank and honest discussion of these choices," states Dr. Ruth E. Patterson of Fred Hutchinson's Public Health Sciences Division.