Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Turkish cutaneous melanoma patients: A prospective study from tertiary cancer center

2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522098763
Author(s):  
Faruk Tas ◽  
Ebru Cinar ◽  
Kayhan Erturk
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Melanoma Patients ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background Only a few studies assessed the prevalence and the predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use specifically in melanoma patients. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of CAM use in Turkish melanoma patients. Objective To assess the extent of CAM use and to compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between users and non-users in melanoma patients. Methods One hundred melanoma patients who were seen in outpatient clinics were included in a survey using questionnaire on CAM use. Results Twenty-seven patients used at least one type of CAM, the majority of which were herbs (73%). Turmeric (curcumin) was the most popular herb that was used alone or in conjunction with various other herbs (41%). Living in rural areas was significantly associated with CAM use (p = 0.02). The most common reason for CAM use was intent to cure of the disease (52%). The primary source of information about CAM was a close friend or a family contact (44%). CAMs were generally used together with conventional anticancer treatment modalities (64%) and they were ingested on a regular base (72%). CAMs could easily be acquired at regular herbal stores (88%). The patients experienced almost no adverse effects with CAM use; and most cases (71%) had confidence in CAM. About half of the patients consulted with their physicians about CAM use. Conclusion Minority, nearly one fourth of the melanoma cases used at least one type of CAM, the majority of which were herbs and turmeric (curcumin) was the most popular agent.

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.

scholarly journals Complementary and alternative medicine use among type 2 diabetes patients in a tertiary care hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 2561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamiya Sadiq ◽  
Kanika Khajuria ◽  
Vijay Khajuria
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among chronic diseases like Diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, the aim was to study the pattern of CAM use among Type2DM in our set up.Methods: The study was done in diabetic patients attending OPD of Government medical college hospital over a period of 2 months. Patients who gave consent were subjected to a pre-structured questionnaire which consisted of two parts pertaining to socio-demographic profile and CAM usage details.Results: Out of 280 patients enrolled in the study, 110 admitted being CAM users along with conventional Anti-Diabetic treatment. The CAM users were mostly females (56.36%) and were from rural background (70.90%). CAM was prevalent in educated patients (90.90%) more than illiterates (9.09%). Ayurveda (44.54%) was the most common type of CAM used and relatives (58.18%) provided main source of CAM information. 32.72% patients thought that CAM is safe, effective (20.90%) and less costly (19.09%). Only 16.36% patients disclosed regarding their CAM usage to the attending physician while majority (83.63%) were non-revealers. The results suggest that patients should be encouraged to reveal to their physician regarding CAM as it can avoid possibility of interactions.Conclusions: CAM is prevalent in T2DM and more so in females from rural areas. Ayurveda was the most widely type of CAM used and majority of patients did not disclose to the treating physician regarding CAM usage.

scholarly journals Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease: An Evidence-Based Review

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Rabito ◽  
Alan David Kaye
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Treatment Plans ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) plays a significant role in many aspects of healthcare worldwide, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review describes some of the challenges of CAM in terms of scientific research. Biologically-based therapies, mind-body therapies, manipulative and body-based therapies, whole medical systems, and energy medicine are reviewed in detail with regard to cardiovascular risk factors and mediation or modulation of cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. CAM use among patients with CVD is prevalent and in many instances provides positive and significant effects, with biologically-based and mind-body therapies being the most commonly used treatment modalities. More rigorous research to determine the precise physiologic effects and long-term benefits on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with CAM usage, as well as more open lines of communication between patients and physicians regarding CAM use, is essential when determining optimal treatment plans.

scholarly journals Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Individuals Presenting for Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia L. Judson ◽  
Reem Abdallah ◽  
Yin Xiong ◽  
Judith Ebbert ◽  
Johnathan M. Lancaster
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Energy Therapies ◽  
Very High ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Purpose: To define the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in individuals presenting for care at a comprehensive cancer center. Patients and Methods: A total of 17 639 individuals presenting to an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (and consortium sites) completed a questionnaire regarding CAM use. Data were analyzed using the univariate χ2 test to assess CAM use associated with a number of variables, including cancer status, age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, race, employment, and education level. Results: Eighty-seven percent of individuals who completed the CAM survey acknowledged CAM therapy use within the previous 12 months. Of the 5 broad categories of CAM, the most commonly used were biologically based approaches (14 759/17 639 [83.67%]), mind-body interventions (4624/17 485 [26.45%]), manipulative and body-based therapies (3957/17 537 [22.56%]), alternative medical systems (429/15 952 [2.69%]), and energy therapies (270/15 872 [1.7%]). CAM use was more prevalent among women, non-Hispanics, Caucasians, patients 60 to 69 years of age, and those who are married, have a higher level of education, and are employed ( P < .005). Conclusions: This is the largest report of CAM use in individuals presenting for care at a comprehensive cancer center. Our analysis revealed that a very high percentage of patients utilize CAM. Because many of these CAM interventions are not studied in oncology patients, additional research on safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action are essential. Furthermore, it is important that oncologists understand CAM modalities and counsel their patients about their use.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use by Patients Enrolled Onto Phase I Clinical Trials

2004 ◽  
Vol 22 (23) ◽  
pp. 4810-4815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace K. Dy ◽  
Lishan Bekele ◽  
Lorelei J. Hanson ◽  
Alfred Furth ◽  
Sumithra Mandrekar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Phase I Trials ◽  
Phase I Clinical Trials ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Purpose To describe the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and pattern of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients enrolled onto phase I trials. Patients and Methods Questionnaires were administered to 108 patients with advanced malignancies enrolled onto phase I chemotherapy trials at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center (Rochester, MN). CAM was classified into two modalities, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic. Clinical and demographic data, including age, sex, and prior cancer treatment, were subsequently obtained from patient charts and examined for any correlation with CAM use, using χ2 analysis. Results One hundred two survey forms were returned. Among respondents, 88.2% (90 of 102) had used at least one CAM modality; 93.3% (84 of 90) and 53.3% (48 of 90) had used pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic CAM, respectively; and 46.7% (42 of 90) used both modalities. Vitamin and mineral preparations constituted 89.3% (75 of 84) of all pharmacologic CAM used. Intake was highest for vitamins E (48.8% [41 of 84]) and C (38.1% [32 of 84]), and 71.4% (60 of 84) of respondents took nonvitamin/mineral agents. Green tea (29.8% [25 of 84]), echinacea (13.1% [11 of 84]), and essiac (9.5% [8 of 84]) were the most popular. Prayer and spiritual practices were the most commonly used nonpharmacologic CAM, accounting for 52.1% (25 of 48). Chiropractors, the most frequently visited nontraditional medicine practitioners, were consulted by only 10% (9 of 90) of those who practiced CAM. Both CAM modalities were used more frequently by women (53.5% [23 of 43]) than men (40.4% [19 of 47]). Conclusion CAM use is common among patients in phase I trials and should be ascertained by investigators, because some of the agents used may interact with investigational agents and affect adverse effects and/or efficacy.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Women With Gynecologic Malignancy Presenting for Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1724-1730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Abdallah ◽  
Yin Xiong ◽  
Johnathan M. Lancaster ◽  
Patricia L. Judson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Gynecologic Malignancy ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

ObjectiveWe evaluated complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices among women presenting to a National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with a gynecologic malignancy.MethodsWomen with a gynecologic malignancy who had consented to enrollment in our institutional prospective clinical registry between January 2003 and January 2014 and who had completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, medical histories, quality of life, and CAM use were considered for analysis.ResultsAmong the 2508 women identified, responses to questions on CAM use were provided by 534 (21.3%). The majority of CAM question respondents were white (93.5%) and older than 50 years (76%). Overall, 464 women (87% of CAM question respondents) used at least 1 CAM therapy during the previous 12 months. The most commonly used CAM categories were biologically based approaches (83.5%), mind and body interventions (30.6%), and manipulative and body-based therapies (18.8%). The most commonly used individual CAM therapies were vitamins and minerals (78%), herbal supplements (27.9%), spiritual healing and prayer (15.1%), and deep breathing relaxation exercises (13.1%). Complementary and alternative medicine use was greatest in age groups 20 to 30 years and older than 65 years and was more prevalent among those who were widowed (P< 0.005), retired (P= 0.02), and with a higher level of education (P< 0.01). There was no association with cancer type, race, or ethnicity.ConclusionsComplementary and alternative medicine use is common among women being treated for gynecologic malignancy. Given the potential interactions of some CAM modalities with conventional treatment and the possible benefits in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life, providers should discuss CAM with their patients.

scholarly journals DIPG-84. COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN DIFFUSE INTRINSIC PONTINE GLIOMA

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii303-iii304
Author(s):  
Fatma El-Khouly ◽  
Syed Adil ◽  
Harry Hendrikse ◽  
Gertjan Kaspers ◽  
Christof Kramm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Pontine Glioma ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract INTRODUCTION Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare and aggressive childhood brainstem malignancy with a two-year survival rate of ≤10%. In this international survey study we aim to evaluate the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in this patient population. METHODS Parents of-, and physicians treating DIPG patients were asked to participate in a retrospective online survey with questions regarding CAM use during time of illness. RESULTS 120 parents and 75 physicians contributed to the online survey between January and May 2020. Physicians estimated that &lt;50% of their patients used CAM, whereas 69% of the parents reported to have used CAM to treat their child during time of illness. Cannabis was the most widely used form of CAM, followed by vitamins and minerals, melatonin, curcumin and boswellic acid. CAM was mainly used to actively treat the tumor. Other motivations were to treat side effects of chemotherapy, or to comfort the child. Children diagnosed ≥2016 were more likely to use CAM (χ2=6.08, p=0.014). No significant difference was found between CAM users and non-users based on ethnicity (χ2=4.18, p=0.382) and country of residence (χ2=9.37, p=0.154). Almost 50% of the physicians do not frequently ask their patients about possible CAM use. CONCLUSION This survey demonstrates that worldwide a considerable number of DIPG patients use CAM. Physicians should be more aware of potential CAM use and more actively discuss the topic. More research is needed to gain knowledge about possible anticancer effects of CAM and their interactions with conventional therapies.

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