Prevalence and Associations for Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Among Paediatric Cancer Patients in Norway: A Cross-Sectional Survey.
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In Norway, 7,400 individuals diagnosed with childhood cancer before the age of 18 are alive today, facing lasting burdens from the disease and its treatment. This study investigates the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among children with cancer in Norway, based on parental reports. It also examines the types of CAM modalities used, their perceived effects, safety, and associated demographic and cancer-related factors. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021 in collaboration with the Norwegian Children's Cancer Society. The study utilised a modified version of the International Questionnaire to Measure Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-Q), adapted for children with cancer. Data were collected from 95 mothers and 22 fathers, covering 117 children, using convenience sampling with a response rate of 17%. Nearly half (47%, n=55) of parents reported that their children used CAM during or after cancer treatment. Modalities included vitamin D supplementation (19%, n=22), music therapy (18%, n=21), art therapy (16%, n=19), psychotherapy (9%, n=10), and massage or aromatherapy (8%, n=9). Although 82% (n = 45) of parents of children using CAM reported benefits, 7% (n = 4) reported adverse effects associated with these modalities. CAM use was primarily motivated by the burden of adverse and late effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue (p=0.004), worry or unrest (p=0.036), and memory or concentration difficulties (p<0.001). The findings suggest that non-verbal and creative forms of support, such as massage, music therapy, and art therapy, were highly valued in this national sample. Further research is needed to better understand the unmet needs and expectations of both parents and children and to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families.