Does perceived control predict Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use among patients with lung cancer? A cross-sectional survey.

PURPOSE

Scant literature exists on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients with lung cancer. Preliminary data indicates that perceived control is an important factor leading patients to CAM. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between perceived control and CAM use in patients with lung cancer.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional survey in patients with lung cancer under active treatment and follow-up at the oncology clinic of an academic medical center. Self-reported CAM use was the primary outcome. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between perceived control and CAM use, controlling for other factors.

RESULTS

Among 296 participants, 54.4 % were female, 83.5 % were Caucasian, 57.6 % were ≤65 years old, 52.4 % were in stage IV, and 86.4 % had non-small cell lung cancer; 50.9 % of patients had used CAM, most commonly vitamins (31.5 %), herbs (19.3 %), relaxation techniques (16 %), and special diets (15.7 %). In multivariate analysis, CAM use was associated with having greater perceived control over the cause of cancer (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.27, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.35-3.80), age ≤ 65 (AOR 1.64, 95 % CI 1.01-2.67), higher education (AOR 2.17, 95 % CI 1.29-3.64), and never having smoked tobacco (AOR 2.39, 95 % CI 1.25-4.54). Nearly 60 % of patients who used CAM were receiving active treatment.

CONCLUSION

Over half of lung cancer patients have used CAM since diagnosis. Greater perceived control over the cause of cancer was associated with CAM use. Given the high prevalence of CAM, it is essential that oncologists caring for patients with lung cancer discuss its use.