Third of cancer patients use herbal remedies, chiropractors and alternative medicines, but many don't tell their doctor, study shows
The IndependentSign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A third of cancer patients in a new study said they used herbal medicines, chiropractic massage or other alternative remedies, but many kept this secret from their doctor. Of the cancer patients and survivors who said they used complementary or alternative medicines, 29 per cent said they didn’t tell their doctor, the University of Texas-led study found. A recent UK study found 34 per cent of cancer patients use dietary supplements, some of which might interact with prescribed cancer treatments, Professor Ernst said. “We also know that many patients fail to inform their oncology team about this.” He said some treatments might cause direct harm and others could interact with the prescribed treatments and might render them less effective.
Discover Related
