Background: Opinions and attitudes of physicians concerning methods of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may have an influence on decisions of treatment and life of patients with cancer. Knowledge of oncologists regarding CAM methods is an important factor in professional and safe anti-cancer therapy.
Objective: Analysis of opinions and attitudes of physicians working in oncological wards concerning CAM methods.
Methods: A survey based on an anonymous questionnaire was performed among 52 physicians, including 28 women and 24 men from four oncological centres (paediatric and adult).
Results: All physicians had good knowledge on terminology and principles of CAM. 92% of responders knew the terminology of CAM; 75% of physicians understood the principles of methods of CAM. Knowledge on CAM methods and advising these methods to patients were strongly interrelated. 42.3% of doctors applied at least one of CAM methods to their patients. The most frequent methods, which were applied included herbal medicine, preparations of alternative medicine, acupuncture and homeopathy (59%, 36.4%, 18.2% and 13.6% of CAM users, respectively). CAM methods were more often applied to patients by doctors with longer professional experience. In opinion of 54% responders, CAM methods are ineffective in oncology, however 23% of physicians observe partially positive effect of CAM methods when used as a supportive therapy. 48/52 (92.3%) responders have not seen any efficacious activity of CAM methods in oncological patients.
Conclusions: Awareness of oncologists concerning patients' interest in use of CAM methods is sufficient, however, high percentage of doctor's approval of use of CAM methods by patients undergoing anticancer therapy is disturbing. There is a need for research on safety and an educational programme for doctors on the inefficacy of CAM methods. The project requires further studies.