Self -Reported Quality of Life in users and non-users of dietary supplements in cancer

Abstract

8232 Background: Hospital-based surveys suggest that cancer patients routinely use dietary supplements, which include vitamins, minerals, and herbs. We described the QoL characteristics of users of dietary supplements versus non-users. Methods: A survey of 225 adult cancer patients presenting for treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center was completed between 11/01 and 10/03. A validated instrument (McCune Questionnaire) assessed the use of 56 dietary supplements in the past month. QoL was evaluated using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The mean QoL scores were compared between the dietary supplement users and non-users using linear regression models controlling for tumor site. Results: Of 225 patients, 91 (40%) were males and 134 (60%) females. 136 (57%) patients had failed prior treatment while 65 (29%) were newly diagnosed. 67 (30%) had breast cancer, 40 (18%) colorectal cancer, and 32 (14%) lung cancer. 164 (73%) had used dietary supplements in the past month while 61 (27%) had not. Patients with colorectal and breast cancer had statistically significantly better QoL as compared to those with lung cancer for most EORTC scales. Mean EORTC QoL scores were significantly better among the dietary supplement users for physical and emotional function scales and fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, and constipation symptom scales after adjusting for tumor site (Table 1). Conclusions: Contrary to some of the previously published research this study found better QoL among the users of dietary supplements, as compared to non-users. The next step in this research is to prospectively evaluate the patterns of changing QoL in relation to dietary supplement use across the entire duration of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Table 1. Relationship between dietary supplement use and QoL after adjusting for tumor site No significant financial relationships to disclose.