One in three cancer patients in Sweden are using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) alongside conventional treatment, but are often reluctant to disclose this to their healthcare providers, according to research conducted by Mikael Källman, a specialist oncology nurse and doctoral student at Umeå University.
Källman, who is based at Gävle Hospital, has spent over 20 years in cancer care and his current research focuses on understanding why patients choose CAM and the motivations behind it. He notes that the lack of open communication between patients and medical staff presents significant risks, potentially impacting treatment effectiveness and patient safety. “The omitted dialogue creates risks and challenges our view of patient-centered care,” Källman stated in a debate article published January 29, 2026, in Dagens Medicin.
His research, which includes a regional survey in Gävleborg County, aims to map the use of CAM and identify patterns in patient preferences. A recent publication in Complementary Medicine Research (2024) detailed initial findings from this survey, highlighting the prevalence of CAM use and the need for further investigation into its characteristics.
The reluctance to inform healthcare professionals about CAM use is a key concern. Källman recounts an instance where a young patient abandoned conventional, curative treatment in favor of alternative methods, only to return months later in a palliative state and significantly financially depleted. This experience underscored the importance of understanding patient choices without judgment and providing appropriate information.
The potential for interactions between CAM and conventional medical treatments is another critical area of focus. According to an article in Aftonbladet, many patients are unaware of the potential for natural remedies to interfere with cancer medications. Källman emphasizes that this interference “can be the difference between recovery and catastrophe.”
Källman’s doctoral research at Umeå University consists of three studies. The first maps CAM usage, experiences, and preferences among cancer patients in Region Gävleborg. The second examines CAM use in rural areas, and the third explores patient experiences with healthcare professionals regarding CAM. His work seeks to contribute to a more individualized and patient-centered cancer care approach, fostering open dialogue and mutual respect between patients and medical staff.
A study published in PubMed (January 2024) further supports the widespread use of CAM among cancer patients, noting a lack of comprehensive data specifically within Sweden, particularly in rural regions. The research aims to address this gap by estimating the extent and characteristics of CAM use within Region Gävleborg.
