P04.48 LB
Purpose: We sought to investigate factors associated with DS use during cancer treatment.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use by adults diagnosed with breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer between 2010–2012 at the UNC Comprehensive Cancer Center. An introductory letter, questionnaire, and return-postage envelope were sent to 1794 patients. Follow-up phone call and second mailing were made to non-respondents. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association between DS use and sources of advice for DS use.
Results: We received 603 completed questionnaires (33%). 503 respondents (83%) reported ever using a DS: 427 before (85%), 354 during (70%), and 414 after (82%) cancer treatment. Among respondents who had ever used a DS, category-specific DS use was: vitamin (95%), mineral (46%), herbal (26%) and other (43%). 76% of patients (325/427) that had used a DS prior to cancer treatment continued to take a DS during treatment; percent decrease in DS use by category was vitamin (19%), mineral (14%), herbal (39%), other (21%). Among all sources of advice on DS use, including medical providers, media, and lay sources, only discussion with a CAM provider was associated with discontinuing DS use during cancer treatment (p=0.037).
Conclusion: Consistent with previous studies, DS use was common among our study population. Not surprisingly, DS use decreased during active cancer treatment. However, among sources of advice on DS use, cessation of DS during treatment was associated only with discussion with a CAM provider.
Contact: Gary Asher, gasher@med.unc.edu
