Use of alternative therapies by patients undergoing surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer

BACKGROUND. The use of alternative therapies is becoming increasingly common and may result in unwanted side effects and drug interactions. OBJECTIVE. To determine the frequency of alternative medicine use by patients undergoing Mohs surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer. METHODS. A written survey concerning use of alternative therapies was given to patients undergoing Mohs surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer. A follow-up telephone survey was used to clarify positive responses. RESULTS. Thirty-six of 192 (18.8%) patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer reported using some type of alternative therapy. Almost all patients were using these therapies for conditions unrelated to their nonmelanoma skin cancer. Herbs and botanicals were the most common type of alternative therapy utilized. CONCLUSION. Physicians performing Mohs surgery should be aware that a significant number of their patients use alternative therapies. Since most patients do not readily volunteer information about alternative medicine usage, specific steps should be taken to obtain this information.