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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]