Complementary and alternative medicine is used by one in 10 of the UK population yearly and 47% during their lifetime. Researchers in the UK evaluated the use of and attitudes to CAM among patients and all healthcare staff in the Southampton Cancer Care Directorate (UK), using a questionnaire-based survey performed between January 2001 and March 2001. A total of 270 questionnaires were distributed to patients and 162 responses were received (response rate 60%). Of the respondents 32% (n = 52) were receiving some form of CAM; half of those receiving CAM were in hospice care. Of those not receiving CAM, 49% would like to, and 76% of all patients would be prepared to pay for this treatment. The five most popular treatments were massage, nutrition, aromatherapy, relaxation and reflexology. While most (92%) patients expected CAM to palliate their symptoms, some (8%) hoped that CAM would cure their cancer. Questionnaires were distributed to 448 staff and 196 responses were received (response rate 44%). Of the respondents, 21% had CAM training and 67% would like to receive training. The most popular therapies used by staff were the same as those identified by the patients. A total of 99% of staff and 98.5% of patients wished to see CAM treatments introduced into service provision within the Cancer Care Directorate.