Margaret A. White¹, Marja J. Verhoef², B.J. Davison³, Hal Gunn⁴ and Karen Cooke⁵

¹Research Associate, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. ²Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. ³Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. ⁴InspireHealth, Vancouver, Canada. ⁵Research Consultant, Vancouver, Canada.

Abstract

Little is known about men with prostate cancer who decline conventional treatment and use only complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Objectives: To 1) explore why men decline conventional prostate cancer treatment and use CAM 2) understand the role of holistic healing in their care, and 3) document their recommendations for health care providers.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews and follow-up focus groups.

Sample: Twenty-nine men diagnosed with prostate cancer who declined all recommended conventional treatments and used CAM.

Results: Based on strong beliefs about healing, study participants took control by researching the risks of delaying or declining conventional treatment while using CAM as a first option. Most perceived conventional treatment to have a negative impact on quality of life. Participants sought healing in a broader mind, body, spirit context, developing individualized CAM approaches consistent with their beliefs about the causes of cancer. Most made significant lifestyle changes to improve their health. Spirituality was central to healing for one-third of the sample. Participants recommended a larger role for integrated cancer care.

Conclusion: Men who decline conventional prostate cancer treatment and use CAM only may benefit from a whole person approach to care where physicians support them to play an active role in healing while carefully monitoring their disease status.