Use of complementary/alternative medicine by patients with breast carcinoma

Background: Complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) is gaining increasing importance especially in the treatment of patients with breast carcinoma. The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the prevalence of CAM in patients with breast carcinoma, to statistically describe the preparations and therapies used, and to determine the reasons for their use, the source of information and the individual perception. Patients and Methods: The statements of 203 patients with breast carcinoma who underwent radiotherapy were analyzed. The median age was 54 years (range 38-77 years). All patients underwent surgery as first therapy. 36 patients received a second-line radiotherapy because of metastases (27 patients) or local recurrence (9 patients). Results: 159 patients (78%) stated to carry out an additional treatment. 31 out of the 36 patients with metastases or local recurrence used CAM. Vitamin preparations (67%), mistletoe therapy (59%), and mineral preparations (33%) were used most frequently. 70% of the patients used a combination of two or more preparations/therapies. The most cited reason for using CAM was the aim of increasing quality of life (28%) and improving the immune system (27%). 72% stated an improvement of their individual perception. The main source of information was the general practitioner or the gynecologist. Conclusion: The radiotherapist has to take these complementary/alternative therapies into consideration; their importance should be evaluated in further studies.