How widespread is the use of complementary therapies in cancer?
Complementary therapy use by the Australian general population is increasing from up to 52.1% in a South Australian population 2) which was similar to a survey of Australian hospital patients which found 53% of people had used in the past 5 years, were using or intended to use complementary therapies 3) . Around 40% of cancer services and hospitals refer patients to private providers of massage, acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, Reiki, naturopathy and more. One-third of cancer services and hospitals also offer meditation directly, 60% offer relaxation and 90% offer counselling. International studies have shown that the proportion of people with cancer who choose to use complementary therapies may be as high as 83.3% in some populations.
