A DVD and booklet on the safety and effectiveness of alternative and complementary medicine for women with breast cancer is being produced by U. S. researchers.

More than 200 women recovering from breast cancer were asked about what was most popular and why by Gwen Wyatt and colleagues at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

The sicker a woman was the more likely she was to use multiple therapies and about 57 percent used alternative/complementary options.

The most popular were Biologically based diet supplements and vitamins. Mind-body therapies using audiotapes, video and music therapy were the next most popular methods.

Very few women used acupuncture and therapeutic touch, the therapies with the highest costs.

It was also found that women without at least some college education were less likely to use alternative/ complementary therapies.

Wyatt further said in a statement," Women are using these therapies, but they have little education about safety and efficacy. They could really benefit from information on how to make a wise decision and choose the best therapies." (With Input from Agencies)