Description

CANTREATHEAL indicates if the person mentioned "self-healing" as the type of treatment they received for their cancer. In 1992 this inquiry was directed at sample persons age 18 years and over who were ever diagnosed with one kind of cancer (CANCEREV, CANCERNO) and were diagnosed in the past 10 years (CAN1DIAGDY, CAN1DIAGE) or who were diagnosed with more than one kind of cancer (CANCERNO) and most recent cancer was diagnosed in the past 10 years (CANRECDIAGDY, CANRECDIAGE).

The field representative's manual in 1992 states that self-healing including imaging as "a relatively new kind of therapy that...uses mental techniques to try and heal cancer and other physical diseases. Patients practice relaxation techniques to minimize stress, and strive to enhance self-love and self-esteem through positive statements and thinking. When using imaging techniques, patients learn to visualize their white blood cells killing cancer cells".

For further information and related variables on treatment of cancer see CANTREATSURG.

Comparability

There are no comparability problems with CANTREATHEAL.

There are some differences between years relating to possible treatments received for cancer. In 1992 but not in 2010 sample persons were asked if they received special diets (CANTREATDIET), self-healing techniques (CANTREATHEAL) or didn't know what techniques (CANTREATDK) as treatment for cancer.

In 2010 but not in 1992 sample persons were asked if they received hormonal treatments (CANTREATHORM), bone marrow or stem cell treatment (CANTREATMARO), or no treatment (CANTREATNONE) for cancer.

Universe

Availability

• 1992

Weights

• 1992 : SAMPWEIGHT