Use of non-proven therapies. Differences in attitudes between Norwegian patients with non-malignant disease and patients suffering from cancer.

A comparative study was conducted between a group of patients with non-malignant diseases in general practice and a group of cancer patients seen in the Department of Oncology at the University Hospital of Tromsø. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalent use of 'alternative medicine', here called non-proven therapies (NPTs), among cancer patients and general practice patients, and to investigate whether there are any differences in opinion between the two groups regarding the beneficial effects of NPTs as treatment modalities for cancer. A total of 305 general practice patients and 252 cancer patients were included in the final analysis. In both groups close on 20% had been or were present users of NPTs. Among cancer patients the most preferred NPTs methods were healing by laying on of hands and faith healing. The patients with non-malignant disease expressed a more positive view on the possible benefits of NPTs in the fight against cancer than that expressed by the cancer patients. A total of 63.4% of patients from general practice stated that NPTs ought to be an option for cancer patients within Norwegian hospitals.