Complementary and alternative medicine use by Hispanic cancer patients and the impact of acculturation: National Health Interview Survey 2007

INTRODUCTION: According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the second leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the United States, preceded only by cardiovascular disease. The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by Hispanics in the United States varies by geographic region as well as by ethnic groups, and is influenced by a variety of factors. Various studies have documented that CAM use is most prevalent among those who have been diagnosed with life-threatening diseases, such as cancer; however, unfortunately, little is known on cancer and CAM use among Hispanics. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of CAM use among foreign-born Hispanic adults diagnosed with cancer and to explore how acculturation affects CAM use in this heterogeneous population, using the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the CAM supplemental adult data. METHODOLOGY: We analyzed data for 129 Hispanic cancer patients from the 2007 NHIS representing a population of 777, 254 persons. RESULTS: Weighted results suggest that females account for 70% of the cancer patients. The mean age of Hispanic cancer patients was 56.7 years. Of those who reported having cancer about half of the Hispanics were born outside the United States. Results also suggest that Hispanics with cancer use mind and body modalities more than other modalities (9.3%), compared to manipulative (8.2%), and biological (1.4%). CONCLUSION: In general CAM use among Hispanic cancer patients is relatively low with varying rates below 10% across the different domains of CAM modalities.