Sara Anne,
An interesting article, but one that, from my experience, misidentifies the study population.
Beginning early on in my cancer journey, I and others at clinics where I have been seen have practically been pushed into accepting some form of Complementary Medicine. Cancer navigators offered relaxation and focused thinking tapes and print materials, discounted massage and acupuncture services, nutrition based programs, etc.
Once I began Chemo, chair massage was considered part of the long (6 hour) sessions; the infusion center had a staff masseuse make the rounds. Declining massage resulted in a call to my referring doctor.
Given my experience, but unaware of the experiences of others, it is hard to estimate how pervasive the CM add-ons to "conventional medicine" may be.
Bottom line, I wonder who is served by this article.
I saw many people RECEIVE CM, but who had not sought out the CM that was offered as clinic standard practice. I cannot imagine that such people are at greater risk of death than those at the same clinic who declined CM.
I cite two portions of the study:
"Patients who received complementary medicine were more likely to refuse other conventional cancer treatment, and had a higher risk of death than no complementary medicine; however, this survival difference could be mediated by adherence to all recommended conventional cancer therapies."
" Past research has shown that CM therapies such as massage, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation can improve quality of life.6 Thus, it is estimated that between 48% and 88% of patients with cancer have reported the use of CAM as part of their therapy.5,7-10"
Just my thoughts, as a critical reader of journal abstracts and summaries.
Best,
Jack