scholarly journals Prevalence and Predictors for Nonuse of Complementary Medicine among Breast and Gynecological Cancer Patients

Breast Care ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 380-385
Author(s):  
Daniela Paepke ◽  
Clea Wiedeck ◽  
Alexander Hapfelmeier ◽  
Kristina Karmazin ◽  
Marion Kiechle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Gynecological Cancer ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Gynecology And Obstetrics ◽  
Cam Use

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common among cancer patients. Data indicated that CAM use correlates with younger age, higher education levels, higher income, and less physician consultations. However, non-CAM use and predictors for non-CAM use are less clear among breast and gynecological cancer patients. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of non-CAM use and to investigate factors that might influence non-CAM use. Methods: The survey was conducted in breast cancer patients from January to May 2013 and in gynecological cancer patients from January to May 2014 with 2 pseudoanonymous questionnaires: one for CAM users (109 questions) and one for non-CAM users (85 questions). The survey was conducted via a telephone interview with 333 patients. Eligible participants were women with breast cancer (n = 285) and gynecological cancer (n = 291) who had undergone surgery at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Technical University Munich, Germany, in the years 2012 (breast cancer) and 2011–2013 (gynecological cancer). Descriptive statistics were generated to determine patterns of non-CAM use. Univariable analysis was used to detect patient characteristics associated with noninterest in the different CAM therapies. Results: A total of 333 of 576 patients participated in the survey (58%). Fifty-eight percent (n = 192/333) were diagnosed with breast cancer and 42% (n = 141/333) with gynecological cancer. The overall prevalence of non-CAM use was 42% (n = 139/333). Eighty-one percent (n = 112/139) of the non-CAM users stated to have received no recommendation for CAM use, although 53% (n = 73/139) would have liked to receive information from their physician. As reasons for the nonuse of CAM therapies, 76% (n = 106/139) nonusers declared that they did not believe CAM use was necessary since the conventional therapy was considered sufficient, 44% (n = 61/139) reported a lack of information, 31% (n = 43/139) a fear of fraud, and 22% (n = 31/139) a fear of interactions and side effects of CAM. Sixty-eight percent (n = 95/139) of the patients stated that they would resort to CAM if the disease progressed while only 27% (n = 37/139) would still not use any CAM with progression of disease. Five percent (7/139) did not give any information regarding possible future CAM use with disease progression. Seventy-three percent (n = 102/139) would both welcome more physicians with qualifications in complementary medicine and supported an integration of CAM into our health care system. Furthermore, statistically significant correlations between patients’ sociodemographic characteristics and their nonuse of complementary therapies were identified. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate a high overall interest in CAM even in non-CAM users. Health care professionals should be aware of this in order to be able to better address patients’ needs. It is necessary to explore the use of CAM with cancer patients, educate them about potentially beneficial therapies even in the light of the limited available evidence, and work towards an integrated model of health care. Therefore, we implemented a counseling service as an outpatient program (ZIGG) for integrative medicine concepts and evidence-based complementary treatments to discuss integrative health approaches proactively with cancer patients in our cancer center in 2013.

scholarly journals Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Breast Cancer Patients at a Medical Center in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 153473542098391
Author(s):  
Chieh-Ying Chin ◽  
Yung-Hsiang Chen ◽  
Shin-Chung Wu ◽  
Chien-Ting Liu ◽  
Yun-Fang Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming more common in medical practice, but little is known about the concurrent use of CAM and conventional treatment. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the types of CAM used and their prevalence in a regional patient cohort with breast cancer (BC). Methods BC patients were interviewed with a structured questionnaire survey on the use of CAM in southern Taiwan at an Integrative Breast Cancer Center (IBCC). The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) classification was used to group responses. Over a period of 8 months, all patients receiving treatment for cancer at the IBCC were approached. Results A total of 106 BC patients completed the survey (response rate: 79.7%). The prevalence of CAM use was 82.4%. Patients who were employed, were receiving radiotherapy and hormone therapy, and had cancer for a longer duration were more likely to use CAM ( P < .05). Multivariate analysis identified employment as an independent predictor of CAM use (OR = 6.92; 95% CI = 1.33-36.15). Dietary supplementation (n = 69, 82.1%) was the type of CAM most frequently used, followed by exercise (n = 48, 57.1%) and traditional Chinese medicine (n = 29, 34.5%). The main reason for using CAM was to ameliorate the side effects of conventional therapies. Almost half (46.4%) of these CAM users did not disclose that they were using it in medical consultations with their physicians. Most chose to use CAM due to recommendations from family and friends. Conclusion A large portion of BC patients at the IBCC undergoing anti-cancer treatment courses used CAM, but less than half discussed it with their physicians. Given the high prevalence of CAM, it would be justifiable to direct further resources toward this service so that cancer patients can benefit from a holistic approach to their treatment.

Sudden onset fatigue (SOF) in patients with breast cancer: Characteristics and symptomatology

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20637-e20637
Author(s):  
Z. A. Nahleh ◽  
H. Wu ◽  
E. Galvin ◽  
D. Leedy
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Rapid Onset ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue

e20637 Background: Cancer-related fatigue is underrecognized and poorly managed. Unpredictability and rapid onset in fatigue is stressed by cancer patients but seldom addressed by health care professionals. Although sudden onset of cancer-related fatigue is anecdotally documented across qualitative studies, the symptom has never been systematically investigated. Our purpose is to describe the symptom and clinical characteristics of SOF in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study enrolling female breast cancer outpatients undergoing chemotherapy in an urban cancer center. A brief questionnaire assessing the symptom characteristics of SOF was completed by subjects. Comprehensive metabolic panel and complete blood counts, were obtained. Descriptive statistics described the symptom characteristics of SOF. Mann-Whitney tests examined the differences between those who did and did not experience SOF. Results: Thirty patients have been enrolled. Median age 53 years (31 to 65; SD=7.7), 60% were Black. 80% (n=24) experienced SOF in the past 7 days with a median of 4 days a week and 2.5 episodes per day. SOF was most likely (75%) to occur in the afternoon while patients were engaging in activities. Levels of fatigue before, during, and after a specific episode of SOF were 5, 9, and 5, respectively, on 0–10 (highest) rating scale. Weakness, sweating, or pain sometimes accompanied SOF. When SOF occurred, individuals immediately needed to stop activities to rest until it went away. Those who experienced SOF had significantly lower levels of calcium (Median=8.9 vs. 9.4), albumin (Median=3.7 vs. 7.1), and hematocrit (Median=32.1 vs. 36) (p<0.05). Those who experienced SOF also had higher levels of GPT (Median=25.5 vs. 17), lower levels of total protein (Median=6.7 vs. 7.1), WBC (Median=4.9 vs. 8.9), RBC (Median=3.4 vs. 3.9), and hemoglobin (Median=10.7 vs. 11.4). Conclusions: Our ongoing study is one of the first to identify the characteristics of patients at high risk of SOF. SOF needs to be recognized and managed when patients undergo chemotherapy. Associated conditions should be identified and addressed. The ultimate goal is to minimize the distress and improve the quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Complementary and alternative medicine in breast cancer patients

2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZEINA NAHLEH ◽  
IMAD A. TABBARA
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
The United States ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Objective: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is becoming increasingly popular among cancer patients, in particular those with breast cancer. It represents one of the fastest growing treatment modalities in the United States. Therefore, knowledge of CAM therapies is becoming necessary for physicians and other health care providers. CAM encompasses a wide range of modalities including special diet and nutrition, mind–body approaches, and traditional Chinese medicine.Methods:We reviewed the biomedical literature on CAM use in breast cancer patients, using Medline search from 1975 until 2002. In addition, consensus reports and books on CAM and breast cancer were included in the review. We evaluated the prevalence of CAM use in breast cancer patients, the reasons cited for its use, the different available modalities, and the reported outcomes.Results:Use of CAM in breast cancer patients ranges between 48% and 70% in the United States. The most commonly used CAM modalities include dietary supplements, mind–body approaches, and acupuncture. The reasons cited for using CAM were to boost the immune system, improve the quality of life, prevent recurrence of cancer, provide control over life, and treat breast cancer and the side effects of treatment. Several studies reported favorable results including improved survival, better pain control, reduced anxiety, improvement in coping strategies and significant efficacy in treating nausea and vomiting. Other less well-organized trials have reported either no benefit or negative effect of CAM and potential toxicity of some commercial products.Significance of results: CAM is a growing field in health care and particularly among breast cancer patients. Knowledge of CAM by physicians, especially oncologists, is necessary. Oncologists should be willing to discuss the role of CAM with their patients and encourage patients to participate in well-organized research about CAM.

scholarly journals Frequency And Predictors For The Use Of Complementary Medicine Among Gynecological Cancer Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Wiedeck C ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Gynecological Cancer ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Integrated Model

Our data demonstrates a high overall interest in CAM in patients with gynecological cancer. Health care professionals should be aware of this in order to be able to better address their patients´ needs. In the interest of the patients’ overall well-being and safety, it is necessary to explore the use of CAM with cancer patients, educate them about potentially beneficial therapies even in the light of the limited available evidence and to work towards an integrated model of health-care.

Reduction of Chemotherapy–Induced Side Effects by Complementary Medicine in Breast Cancer Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beuth J ◽  
◽  
Böwe R ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Sodium Selenite ◽  
Lens Culinaris ◽  
Proteolytic Enzymes ◽  
Clinical Investigation ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Complementary Treatment

This clinical investigation was performed to evaluate the benefit of Complementary Medicine (CM) in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant Chemotherapy (ChT). Patients and Methods: The patients (n=668) were treated according to international guidelines with adjuvant ChT. As to reduce the side effects, the patients were complementarily treated with a combination of sodium selenite, proteolytic plant enzymes (bromelaine and papain) and Lens culinaris lectin. On Case Report Formulas (CRFs) assessment of side effects of ChT was documented at defined times during adjuvant ChT and additional complementary treatment. Validation was carried out by scoring from 1 (no side-effects/optimal tolerability) to 6 (extreme side-effects/extremely bad tolerability), however, only patients suffering from severe side effects (symptom scores 4 and higher) were enrolled into this investigation. Results: The severity of side-effects of ChT was significantly reduced by complementary treatment. Mean scores of symptoms declined for sleep disorder, fatigue, lack of drive (p<0.05) and for arthralgia, hot flushes, mucosal dryness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, pain of tumour (p<0.001). Conclusion: This investigation confirms benefits of indication-based complementary treatment with the combination of sodium selenite, proteolytic enzymes and Lens culinaris lectin in breast cancer patients, e.g. reduction of side-effects of adjuvant ChT.

The feasibility of same day pegfilgrastim-cbqv administration in breast cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy regimens at a northern Virginia cancer center.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e18687-e18687
Author(s):  
Maya Leiva ◽  
Angela Pennisi ◽  
Kathleen Kiernan Harnden ◽  
Patricia Conrad Rizzo ◽  
Lauren Ann Mauro
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Secondary Prophylaxis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy

e18687 Background: The long-acting injectable G-CSF, pegfilgrastim and its biosimilars have historically been given to patients 24 hours following the administration of myelosuppressive chemotherapy for either primary or secondary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia (FN). Previous literature has indicated that pegfilgrastim administration prior to 24 hours post chemotherapy, may result in a deepened and prolonged neutropenia due to the increase in circulating granulocytes exposed to chemotherapy. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce potential SAR-CoV-2 exposure to cancer patients on therapy, we implemented same day administration of injectable pegfilgrastim-cbqv among select breast cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy regimens from March 2020 – February 2021. Methods: Utilizing retrospective EHR chart reviews, 55 patients among 4 medical oncologists in our breast cancer group were identified as meeting the criteria of same day pegfilgrastim-cbqv administration. Inclusion was based on completion of at least 2 consecutive cycles of same day pegfilgrastim-cbqv 6 mg subcutaneous injection for primary or secondary prophylaxis. The selected patient charts were reviewed for the incidence and severity of FN. Among the patients who had documented FN, further subgroup analyses were done regarding baseline characteristics, timing of neutropenia, regimens, regimen sequence, and reported ADRs associated with pegfilgrastim-cbqv. Results: 9 (16.4%) of the 55 patients experienced FN (Grades 3-4) and 6 (10.9%) patients were hospitalized. There were no Grade 5 events and none had therapy discontinued due to FN. 8 (88.9%) of the patients experienced FN between cycles 1 and 2. Of note, there were no cases of COVID-19 among the 9 patients who had an episode of FN. 52 (94.5%) of the 55 patients received treatment with curative intent and 3 (5.5%) had metastatic disease on a subsequent line of therapy. The median age was 49.1 years (range 29-71) and patients were 56.4% Caucasian, 18.1% Black or African American, 12.7% Asian, and 12.7% Hispanic/Latina. Conclusions: Based on the retrospective data analysis, same day pegfilgrastim-cbqv appears to be a safe and effective option in the primary and secondary prophylaxis of FN with myelosuppressive standard of care chemotherapy used in breast cancer treatment. Though our review was limited by a relatively small sample size and confined to younger (49.1 median age) breast cancer patients, this opens the door to further re-evaluation of same day pegfilgrastim-cbqv administration in other patient populations. In a post pandemic treatment world, this slight change in practice has the potential to reduce patient financial toxicity associated with multiple medical visits, provide an alternative to on-body injector formulations, and ensure treatment adherence.

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