Use of CAM among cancer patients. Classification criteria determine level of use

Objective

The aim of this study is to present a cumulative five-level model with room for cultural differences for classifying cancer patients’ use of CAM.

Materials and methods

CAM level 1: been exposed at least four times to a CAM practitioner in connection with current cancer condition.

CAM level 2: been exposed at least once to a CAM practitioner in connection with current cancer condition.

CAM level 3: includes level 1 and 2 use, and in addition patients who have only used OTC dietary supplements or CAM techniques.

CAM level 4: includes level 1–3 use, and in addition patients who only have used special diets to treat their cancer condition.

CAM level 5: includes level 1–4 use, and in addition patients who used physical activity to treat their current cancer condition.

Results

By applying the model to the responses given by Norwegian cancer patients, we found only 11.1% reporting CAM use at CAM level 1. This proportion increased to 22.7% at CAM level 2, 38.8% at CAM level 3, 40.6% at CAM level 4 and 72.3% at CAM level 5.

Conclusion

The model might serve several purposes since the reader can look for reported CAM use on the level that serves his/her purpose. For researchers the suggested model can be used when utilisation-studies are compared.