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 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.

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.

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 by Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Internet Survey

1999 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J Hilsden ◽  
Jon B Meddings ◽  
Marja J Verhoef
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

OBJECTIVES: To determine the degree and determinants of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with the use of the Internet and to compare the results with those found by using a similar survey in patients attending gastroenterology clinics in Calgary, Alberta.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 263 patients with IBD with the use of a World Wide Web-based, structured questionnaire was conducted.RESULTS: Complementary therapies had been used by 46% of patients in the previous two years. Current use was reported by 34%. Vitamins, herbal products and natural health practices were the most commonly reported therapies. Side effects and lack of effectiveness of standard therapies were the most commonly cited reasons for seeking complementary medicine. However, despite this, respondents who had previously received surgery, or intravenous or oral steroids were less likely to be current CAM users. Important differences between the determinants of and reasons for CAM use in the present study and those of a similar study of IBD patients in a local tertiary care setting were noted.CONCLUSIONS: Complementary medicine use is common in patients with IBD. Differences in the determinants of and reasons for CAM use noted between the present Internet sample and a gastroenterology clinic sample suggest that conclusions from the present study and from previous studies based only on clinic samples provide a limited view of CAM use by people with IBD. More comprehensive assessments are needed.

scholarly journals Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianlai Luo ◽  
Gary N. Asher
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Energy Medicine ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
After Cancer ◽  
Oncology Providers

Background. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common among cancer patients, but the majority of CAM studies do not specify the time periods in relation to cancer diagnoses. We sought to define CAM use by cancer patients and investigate factors that might influence changes in CAM use in relation to cancer diagnoses. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adults diagnosed with breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer between 2010 and 2012 at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Questionnaires were sent to 1794 patients. Phone calls were made to nonrespondents. Log binomial/Poisson regressions were used to investigate the association between cancer-related changes in CAM use and conversations about CAM use with oncology providers. Results. We received 603 (33.6 %) completed questionnaires. The mean age (SD) was 64 (11) years; 62% were female; 79% were white; and 98% were non-Hispanic. Respondents reported the following cancer types: breast (47%), prostate (27%), colorectal (14%), lung (11%). Eighty-nine percent reported lifetime CAM use. Eighty-five percent reported CAM use during or after initial cancer treatment, with category-specific use as follows: mind-body medicine 39%, dietary supplements 73%, body-based therapies 30%, and energy medicine 49%. During treatment CAM use decreased for all categories except energy medicine. After treatment CAM use returned to pretreatment levels for most CAMs except chiropractic. Initiation of CAM use after cancer diagnosis was positively associated with a patient having a conversation about CAM use with their oncology provider, mainly driven by patient-initiated conversations. Conclusions. Consistent with previous studies, CAM use was common among our study population. Conversations about CAM use with oncology providers appeared to influence cessation of mind-body medicine use after cancer diagnosis.

scholarly journals Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Slovakia: Results of a National Population Survey

SAGE Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824402110684
Author(s):  
Ivan Souček ◽  
Roman Hofreiter
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Europe has intensely increased in recent decades. To acquire information about the patterns and trends of CAM use in Slovakia, a nationwide representative survey was conducted on Slovakian adult population. A nationally representative cross-sectional survey was administered to the general population of Slovakian residents aged 18 years and over. The respondents were interviewed face-to-face by professional interviewers. Data were collected during September 2019 as a part of an omnibus survey on a variety of subjects. Altogether, 82.4% of the respondents reported either regular CAM method use or the lifetime prevalence of such use. The most frequently reported group of methods were biologically based treatments (78.9%), followed by manipulative and body-based methods (54.4%), mind-body interventions (31.9%), whole medical systems (18.2%), and energy therapies (4.2%). Vitamins (71.1%), herbal teas (68.1%), massages (53.6%), religious healing (20.3%), and special diets (18.8%) were the five most commonly preferred CAM modalities. Female gender, higher income and higher education are significant predictors of CAM use. The study highlights the association between satisfaction with healthcare systems, health situations, and the use of CAM.

A pilot international survey of oncologists’ opinions and self-reported practice patterns on complementary and alternative medicine

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 19526-19526
Author(s):  
R. T. Lee ◽  
F. J. Hlubocky ◽  
J. J. Hu ◽  
R. Stafford ◽  
C. K. Daugherty
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Practice Patterns ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Continued Education ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

19526 Background: Prior research has indicated that the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among cancer patients often exceeds 80%. Information about the prevalence of CAM use is important because many biologically-based therapies or alternative medical systems can potentially interfere with chemotherapy efficacy and increase the risk for treatment related toxicity and other complications. Methods: In 2004–2005, oncologists from the United States, mainland China, and Taiwan were surveyed regarding their perceptions and self-reported practice patterns regarding CAM. Results: A total 95 oncologists returned surveys providing a 38.2% response rate. Four out of five respondents (78%) felt unprepared to integrate CAM modalities into their practice. However, 71% reported they would allow CAM use during active cancer treatment, even in the setting of curable disease. Surveyed Chinese/Taiwanese oncologists were more likely than their US colleagues to inquire about their patients use of CAM (ask >10% of patients) - 80.6% vs. 52.4% (p<0.05). The same was true for individuals who felt their previous training had prepared them for CAM use, as compared to those who felt unprepared (80.9% vs. 57.0% (p<0.01). Chinese/Taiwanese respondents felt no more prepared for CAM use than US respondents (25.8.1% vs. 20.6%, p=0.57), were less likely to report integrating CAM with curable disease (48.3% vs. 69.8%, p<0.05), and were more likely to report concern about patients’ motivations for CAM use (83.9% vs. 46.8%, p<0.01). Conclusions: Despite a stated lack of preparedness, the majority of surveyed oncologists would allow cancer patients with curable disease to integrate CAM therapies. Although routinely exposed to CAM modalities, such as traditional Chinese medicine, responding Chinese/Taiwanese oncologists felt just as unprepared as their US colleagues. In addition, increased concern about patients’ motivations was associated with decreased integration of CAM. Continued education is needed to improve oncologists’ knowledge about patients’ use of CAM. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals Attitudes underlying reliance on complementary and alternative medicine

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Szilvia Zörgő ◽  
Gjalt - Jorn Ygram Peters ◽  
Samvel Mkhitaryan
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Specific Level ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
The One ◽  
Threatening Situation ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Objective: We aimed to map attitudes underlying complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, especially those involved in “dysfunctional CAM reliance”, that is, foregoing biomedical treatment in a life-threatening situation in favor of alternative treatment. Analyses of modifiable determinants of CAM use were conducted at a sufficiently specific level to inform intervention development.Methods: We collected usable data on CAM-related attitudinal beliefs from 151 participants in Budapest with varying degrees of CAM use, which we analyzed using Confidence Interval-Based Estimation of Relevance plots.Results: Although there were beliefs which the entire sample shared, there was a marked difference between the biomedical and CAM groups. These differences were beliefs concerning trust in various medical systems; the level of importance assigned to emotions in falling ill; and vitalism or Eastern concepts. Regarding CAM users in general, the most successful intervention targets are beliefs in vitalism on the one hand, and distrust in biomedicine on the other. In addressing dysfunctional CAM use specifically, the most significant beliefs pertain to “natural” cures and reliance on biomedical testing.Conclusions: Albeit much research has been carried out on the motivations behind CAM use, rarely do studies treat complementary and alternative CAM users separately in order to scrutinize patterns of non-conventional medicine use and underlying cognition. This is the first study to begin pinpointing specific attitudes involved in dysfunctional CAM use to inform future intervention development. Such interventions would be essential for the prevention of incidents and mortality.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document