An American Society of Clinical Oncology survey stated 39 percent of Americans "somewhat" or "strongly" believe cancer can be cured through alternative therapies, Medscape reports.
Harris Poll surveyed 4,887 adults in July and August, and 1,001 respondents either have cancer or had cancer.
Here's what you should know:
1. About 47 percent of respondents between 18 and 37 years old and 44 percent of respondents between 38 and 53 years old "somewhat" or "strongly" believed alternative therapies alone could cure cancer.
They were told alternative therapies could include enzyme therapy, oxygen therapy, diet, vitamins, minerals and herbs.
2. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said their biggest concern if diagnosed with cancer would be the financial impact, while 54 percent were concerned about dying or cancer-related pain.
3. Respondents supported measures to lower the cost of prescriptions. About 88 percent of respondents said Medicare should negotiate prescription prices directly with manufacturers, and 77 percent believed Americans should be able to buy drugs directly from other countries.
4. Medscape interviewed several physicians who were alarmed by the findings about alternative therapies. New Haven, Conn.-based Yale Cancer Center's Skyler Johnson said, "These findings are not only shocking but incredibly disturbing." Dr. Johnson did caution, however, that respondents' opinions may change when it comes time to an "actual treatment decision."