Review and critique of the literature of complementary and alternative therapy use among Hispanic/Latino women with breast cancer.

Abstract

Healthcare providers often care for patients who use complementary and alternative therapy (CAT). Despite recent advances in cross-cultural research, little is known about how Hispanic/Latino women being treated for breast cancer use CAT to manage the disease and the side effects of treatment. A woman's cultural heritage, education, healthcare beliefs, degree of acculturation, and socioeconomic factors influence her decision to use CAT and the choice of a specific CAT. Only five studies specifically investigating CAT use by Hispanic/Latino women with breast cancer have been published, and more research in this area is needed. Although information about CAT use by this population is limited, nurses can use it to promote culturally sensitive care.