Use of complementary therapies by Australian women with breast cancer

Abstract

International research suggests complementary therapy usage is common in women with breast cancer. Comparable data do not exist for Australia. A self-completed questionnaire was used to survey Australian women with breast cancer about their usage of complementary therapies. The survey was mailed to members of two breast cancer consumer advocacy groups, and assessed type of therapy used, reasons for use, and sources of information about complementary therapies. Of 367 respondents with breast cancer, 87.5% had used complementary therapies, with many using four or more therapies. Most commonly used were vitamin supplements (54.2%), support groups (49.8%), massage (41.4%) and meditation (38.7%). Common reasons for use included improving physical (86.3%) and emotional (83.2%) wellbeing and boosting the immune system (68.8%). Women sought information about complementary therapies from a variety of sources. The range of therapies used and the diverse reasons for use emphasise the need for reliable, evidence-based information about complementary therapies for women and clinicians.