Alternative and complementary therapy use by women living with breast cancer: A test of three models

The overall aim of this study was to enhance knowledge of the experience of alternative and complementary therapy (ACT) use in women living with breast cancer. This was achieved by developing and testing three cognitive models of the causal relationships between selected health beliefs, sociobehavioural factors, demographic characteristics, and ACT utilization among women with breast cancer. The prevalence and patterns of ACT use were also examined.;A retrospective, correlational survey design was used in this study. A random sample of 650 women with stage I or II breast cancer was selected from the British Columbia Cancer Registry, of which 577 women were eligible for study participation.;A substantial proportion of women with breast cancer was found to be using a variety of ACTs. Vitamin/mineral supplements, herbal remedies, and spiritual therapies were the most commonly reported ACTs, with the majority of women using fewer than five therapies following their breast cancer diagnosis and spending under ;The study findings suggest that ACT use is a widespread phenomenon in breast cancer populations that is influenced most strongly by past health behaviour and the norms and preferences that exist within women's social groups. These findings also contribute to our understanding of ACT use by women with breast cancer as being a reflection of their commitment to self-care and wellness. The need for further research that explores the roles of family members and health care providers in treatment decisions related to ACTs and educational and counseling strategies that support informed treatment decision making are implications of this study. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).