Table 4 CAM users’ attitudes and beliefs
Category | N – 231 | % |
|---|---|---|
Source of CAM information | ||
Other patients | 57 | 24.7 |
Family members | 52 | 22.5 |
Friends | 44 | 19.0 |
Mass media/internet | 35 | 15.2 |
Health professionals | 14 | 6.1 |
Others | 29 | 12.6 |
Reasons for using CAMa | ||
To cure the cancer | 96 | 41.6 |
To boost the immune system | 82 | 35.5 |
Relief from symptoms | 42 | 18.2 |
Others | 26 | 11.3 |
Use of CAM is safe | ||
Agree | 152 | 65.8 |
Neutral | 54 | 23.4 |
Disagree | 25 | 10.8 |
CAM use and conventional cancer treatment is safe | ||
Agree | 88 | 38.1 |
Neutral | 57 | 24.7 |
Disagree | 86 | 37.2 |
Disclosure of CAM use to doctor | ||
Yes | 67 | 29.0 |
No | 164 | 71.0 |
Reason for nondisclosure (N – 164) | ||
Doctor did not ask | 124 | 75.6 |
Not necessary | 31 | 18.9 |
Fear that doctor would disapprove | 9 | 5.5 |