Predictors of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by women at high risk for breast cancer

Abstract

Background Few data exist regarding the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by unaffected women at high risk of breast cancer. Methods Self-reported CAM use by women from multiple-case breast cancer families was obtained by questionnaire. Factors associated with CAM use were assessed using multiple logistic regression. Results Of 892 women, 55% ( n = 489) used CAM, 6% ( n = 53) specifically to prevent cancer. CAM use was independently associated with tertiary education level (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.83–3.58, p < 0.001), greater physical activity (OR 1.05 per hour of physical activity/week, 95% CI 1.00–1.10, p = 0.049), greater anxiety (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.16–3.16, p = 0.01), not currently smoking (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.97, p = 0.037) and lower perceived BC risk (OR 0.82 per 20 percentage points, 95% CI 0.72–0.94, p = 0.005). Conclusions The majority of high-risk women use CAM, but mostly for reasons other than cancer prevention. Most predictors of CAM use are consistent with the limited literature for women at high risk for cancer.