To describe the use of CAMs among women with gynecologic malignancy and to evaluate the relationship between the use of CAMs and sociodemographic characteristics.

A total of 154 patients with gynecologic cancer seen in the Seoul National University Hospital from March to August 2004 were included. The relationship between the use of CAMs and sociodemographic variables, such as age, education level and annual income were evaluated.

One hundred-twelve of 154 (72.7%) of the patients have experienced in the use of CAMs. The major source of information on CAMs was not medical personnel but relatives and friends. Among CAMs user, only 23% was recommended adequate usage of CAMs from medical personnel. The most frequently used type of CAMs was diet and nutrition methods such as mushroom, soybean and garlic. Annual income of CAMs user group was significant larger than that of nonuser group (P=0.046) and mean age of CAMs user group (50.23+/-10.67) was lower than nonuser group (54.62+/-11.97) (significance level=0.029). On the other hand, disease stage showed no significant difference. Seventy-five of 83 (90.3%) users said CAMs were not effective for disease control. However, 58 of 86 (67.4%) users were satisfied with the use of CAMs to more than moderate degree and 66 of 86 (76.7%) users were willing to use CAMs continuously.

Large portion of women with gynecologic malignancy are experienced and satisfied with the use of CAMs, however, only small proportion of them was recommended adequate usage from medical personnel.