Many Mistakenly Believe Alternative Therapies Can Cure Cancer

TUESDAY, Oct. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) – Despite evidence to the contrary, Americans believe alternative therapies can cure cancer, a new survey finds.

Research shows that cancer death rates are much higher among patients who receive standard cancer treatments, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

The group's second annual National Cancer Opinion Survey also found that many Americans oppose limiting cancer patients' access to opioid painkillers (such as OxyContin) and supporting the use of medical marijuana by cancer patients.

The high cost of cancer also emerged as a major concern among Americans.

"This survey serves as a barometer of the American people's views on important cancer-related issues," said ASCO President Dr. Monica Bertagnolli.

It is revealed that we need to address the issue of cancer care, to ensure that patients are treated to the best of times "Bertagnolli said in a society news release.

The online survey, conducted in July and August, included almost 4,900 U.S. adults aged 18 and older. About 1,000 have or have had cancer.

The survey found that 39 percent of respondents – including a high number of cancer patients and family caregivers – believe cancer can be cured using just alternative therapies, such as enzyme and oxygen therapy, diet, vitamins and minerals.

According to ASCO's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Schilsky, "There's no question that evidence-based cancer therapy is necessary to effectively treat disease."

He added: "The vast majority of alternative therapies have been made when patients are made critical decisions about which cancer treatments are best. -designed research studies. "

Younger people – between 18 and 53 – were more likely to put their faith in alternative therapies, the survey revealed.

A recent study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute underscored the danger of such thinking: The death rate of common cancers for patients who receive standard treatments, such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hormone-based therapies.

Other findings from the ASCO survey:

• Nearly three-quarters of the patients said to be prescription drugs opioids to obtain cancer patients.
• Forty percent of cancer patients who have used opioids in the past 12 months to manage pain or other symptoms.
• More than eight out of 10 respondents using medical marijuana by cancer patients. But 48 percent of cancer patients who have used medical marijuana in the past 12 months.
• If diagnosed with cancer, 57 percent said their chief concern would be the impact on their families or the cost of treatment. Dying or relating to cancer-related pain and suffering would be the key concern for a smaller percentage (54 percent each).

"Patients are right to be concerned about the impact of a cancer diagnosis on their families, it is clear that they are patients, but also the people who care for them," Schilsky said.

"If a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, the sole focus should be helping them get well," Schilsky said. "Instead, Americans are worrying about affording treatment, and in many cases, they're making serious personal sacrifices to help pay for their loved ones' care."

More information

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more on cancer treatment.