The use of complementary/alternative medicine by cancer patients in a New Zealand regional cancer treatment centre.
The use of complementary/alternative medicine by cancer patients in a New Zealand regional cancer treatment centre.
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发表时间：
2003-01
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通讯作者：
K. Chrystal;S. Allan;G. Forgeson;R. Isaacs
中科院分区：
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作者：
K. Chrystal;S. Allan;G. Forgeson;R. Isaacs
目的研究新西兰地区癌症治疗中心管理的癌症患者使用补充/替代医学（CAM）的流行率和模式。方法采用自填式匿名问卷调查参加中中部地区癌症治疗服务门诊的患者。问题涉及患者人口统计学、癌症诊断和接受的常规治疗。CAM用户被要求确定使用的治疗类型，使用原因，感知的有效性，安全性和财务成本。结果问卷发放到350名患者，收到200份可评估的回复。总体而言，该组中49%的患者使用CAM，维生素，抗氧化剂，替代饮食和草药疗法是最常用的药物，并且在年轻患者中更常见。47%的人使用CAM来改善生活质量，30%的人希望治愈癌症。在CAM使用者中，71%的人认为这些疗法有助于控制他们的癌症，89%的人认为这些疗法是安全的。只有41%的使用者与他们的肿瘤学家讨论过CAM，近三分之一的人在癌症治疗中心就诊之前就开始了这种治疗。CAM的平均费用为55新西兰元/月。新西兰癌症患者通常使用CAM，他们经常使用多种疗法，不仅在常规治疗期间，而且在不咨询肿瘤科医生的情况下。患者和医务人员之间缺乏关于CAM的公开交流，不仅可能妨碍识别潜在的有害影响，而且可能妨碍识别CAM和常规疗法之间的积极和消极药物相互作用。
AIM To study the prevalence and patterns of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) use in cancer patients managed by a New Zealand regional cancer treatment centre. METHODS A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to survey patients attending outpatient clinics of the MidCentral Regional Cancer Treatment Service. Questions addressed patient demographics, cancer diagnosis and conventional treatments received. CAM users were asked to identify types of therapies used, reasons for use, perceived effectiveness, safety and financial cost. RESULTS Questionnaires were distributed to 350 patients, with 200 assessable replies received. Overall, 49% of patients in this group used CAM, with vitamins, antioxidants, alternative diets, and herbal therapies the most commonly used agents and usage was more common in younger patients. CAM was used by 47% to improve quality of life and by 30% in the hope of a cure of their cancer. Of CAM users, 71% believed these therapies had been helpful in the management of their cancer, and 89% felt they were safe. Only 41% of users had discussed CAM with their oncologist and almost one third had started such therapies before being seen at the Cancer Treatment Centre. The median cost of CAM was NZ$55/month. CONCLUSIONS CAM is commonly used by New Zealand cancer patients, who often use multiple therapies, not only during conventional treatment, but also without consultation with their oncologist. This lack of open communication about CAM between patients and medical staff may prevent identification not only of potential harmful effects, but also of positive and negative drug interactions between CAM and conventional therapies.