• R Pihlak, R Liivand, O Trelin, H Neissar, I Peterson, S Kivistik, K Lilo, and J Jaal.
• Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Haematology and Oncology Clinic, Department of Radiotherapy and Oncological Therapy, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.
• Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2014 Mar 1;23(2):249-54.

AbstractComplementary medicine (CM) use is common among cancer patients. However, little is known about CM products that are utilised during radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Out of 62 cancer patients who completed a specialised survey, 35 (56%) consumed some type of CM during active anti-cancer therapy. Cancer patients reported the use of herbal teas (52%), vitamins and other dietary supplements (45%), vegetables and juices (39%), special diets (19%), herbal medicines, including Chinese medicines (19%) and 'immunomodulators' (3%). Most of patients (86%) consumed CM products every day. However, nearly 47% of CM users did not admit this to their oncologists. Majority of CM users (85%) were convinced that supplementary products increase the efficacy of standard anti-cancer therapy and prolong their survival. Information about CM was mainly obtained through internet sources (36%), books and brochures (25%). Although most CM users (82%) trusted the received information, 73% of them admitted that additional information about CM methods would be necessary. Patients would like to receive additional information through a specialised consultation (60%), but also from brochures (44%) and the internet (20%). Adequate counselling of patients is of paramount importance since some CM methods may cause significant side effects and decrease the efficacy of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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