Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 2005;21(1):21-25.
Published online May 30, 2005.

Kwang Hyun Kim; Eun Jung Jung;Jeong Hun Hah;Seong Keun Kwon;Myung Whun Sung

두경부암 환자의 대체요법 이용 실태

김광현;정은정;하정훈;권성근;성명훈

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The popularity of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM) has grown at an astonishing rate in recent years. Because patients are interested in CAM and want to use it, physicians also should be concerned about CAM and know about the current situation of its usage. In this study, we tried to determine the prevalence of CAM use in the patients with head and neck cancer and correlate with demographics and tumor characteristics. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 patients with head and neck cancer previously treated with surgery at Seoul National University Hospital from March through June, 2004 were enrolled in this study. The patients were completed, questionnaire about the use of CAM and demographic information. Tumor characteristics were obtained from the patient's medical records.
Results
Of the 87 patients, 33 patients(37.9%) use at least one CAM. There was no statistically significant correlation between patient's data and prevalence of CAM use. Of those patients using CAM, 16(48.5%) of 33 were using 2 or more therapies. The majority of agents used by patients in this study are mushrooms such as Phellinus and Reishi, followed by dietary therapy. A majority(60.6%) of patients were introduced to alternative medicine by friends or family members.
Conclusion
Considerable cancer patients use CAM. Head and neck oncologists should inform themselves about CAM to counsel and educate the patients. Further scientific investigations on promising CAM agents may help advance cancer treatment.

Key Words: Complementary and alternative medicine(CAM), Head and neck cancer