Abstract
PurposePatients with cancer often believe dietary supplements (DS) such as micronutrients and botanical products to be health supporting and non-toxic despite growing concerns regarding potential pharmacological interactions. Studies on the prevalence of DS use among patients with cancer are heterogeneous and mainly conducted at university-based cancer centers. This survey focused on a particular cancer patient group treated in an ambulatory setting without regular access to professional nutritional counselling.MethodsPatients with a history of cancer or hematological malignancy were included in this survey. A self-reported questionnaire was used to evaluate the different aspects of DS use, changes in dietary habits and patients’ demographic characteristics.ResultsAlmost every second patient reported using DS (47.2%). Women (56.3%), patients with an academic degree (56.0%) and non-smokers (84.8%) were more inclined to use DS. Along with magnesium (16.6%), calcium (14.3%), multivitamins (12.0%) and vitamin C (9.4%), use of herbal supplements (12.6%) was common. Women (84.8% vs. 74.9% of men, p = < 0.001) and patients younger than 65 years (84.4% vs. 77.2% of patients > 65 y, p = 0.002) sought dietary advice more often. Support of the immune system was the main reason for DS use (26.4%) and a relevant number of patients (49.6%) reported to have changed their dietary habits following cancer diagnosis.ConclusionDS use is common among patients with cancer treated in an ambulatory setting. This finding should encourage oncologists to implement detailed questioning about DS use and dietary habits to prevent potential interactions and offer substantial advice.
Highlights
Use of dietary supplements (DS) such as vitamins, trace elements, minerals and botanical products has become increasingly popular among patients with cancer, believing DS to be non-toxic and health-supporting and to be used as self-medication (Bailey et al 2011; Li et al 2010)
Studies estimate the prevalence of DS use ranging from 18 to 95% depending on the patient population, tumor stage and cultural background (Du et al 2020; Luo and Asher 2018; Molassiotis et al 2005; Wilkinson and Stevens 2014)
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in patients with cancer, seeking care at three ambulatory cancer care centers, between September 2011 and October 2012 and September 2017 and December 2019
Summary
Use of dietary supplements (DS) such as vitamins, trace elements, minerals and botanical products has become increasingly popular among patients with cancer, believing DS to be non-toxic and health-supporting and to be used as self-medication (Bailey et al 2011; Li et al 2010). Despite the popularity of DS, the use in disease is controversially discussed among health professionals and scientists due to increasing evidence regarding potential interactions with conventional therapies, leading to either an increase in toxicity or loss of effectiveness. Potential harm is derived by the fact that patients often do not disclose the. A significant proportion of patients with cancer in Germany are treated in such ambulatory settings. In contrast to many hospitals and comprehensive cancer centers, they do not offer a routine dietary counselling
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