Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2004; 9: 04
The purpose of this study was to explore the risk perceptions of individuals with cancer using complementary therapies.
This study is a secondary analysis of two qualitative studies exploring complementary therapy utilisation across diverse cancer populations. In-depth, open-ended questions were conducted with 31 individuals with cancer. The analysis, which is currently in progress, focuses on participants’ perceptions of risk related to complementary therapies and how risk perceptions influence treatment decisions.
Participants report taking part in a ‘balancing’ process as they make decisions about conventional and complementary cancer treatments. Therapies perceived to ‘do no harm’ and that ‘might help’ were considered to be safe and appropriate choices. Complementary therapies were perceived to hold fewer safety risks than conventional treatments and were described as ‘natural’ and ‘supportive’. Commonly mentioned risks include loss of support from physicians, cost, false hope and interactions between conventional and complementary cancer therapies. Risk perceptions about complementary therapies were influenced by the degree of trust held in those giving advice, the information sources used and participants’ previous experiences with complementary therapies. Anecdotal stories from cancer survivors were particularly influential in participants’ treatment decisions.
Individuals with cancer have relatively low risk perceptions about complementary therapies and rely on lay sources of information for treatment decisions. The findings raise concerns about the safe and informed use of complementary therapies and highlight the need for educational strategies that support accurate risk perceptions.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); UBC Hamptom Small Grants Program; Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research.
