Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients attending a head and neck oncology clinic

Introduction: Within the United Kingdom, there are 50 000 practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine, with five million people consulting these practitioners yearly. The aim of this study was to explore the use of such therapies by patients attending a head and neck oncology clinic in Aberdeen. Method: Questionnaires were distributed to 200 patients over an eight-week period. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding: demographic factors;, 48 listed herbal preparations and alternative therapies; reasons for their use; and opinions on their efficacy. Results: One hundred and thirty-eight patients completed the questionnaires. Fifty per cent (69/138) of respondents had used complementary and alternative medicine previously, with 26 percent having used it in the preceding year. Fifty-five per cent of respondents learned about complementary and alternative medicine use from friends, and the majority obtained such medicines by purchasing from a shop. Fifty per cent (34/69) of respondents stated that their family physician was unaware of their use of complementary and alternative medicine. Conclusion: All medical practitioners should be aware of increasing complementary and alternative medicine usage by the United Kingdom population, and should be able to counsel patients appropriately.