scholarly journals Patterns of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Following a Cancer Diagnosis in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 104s-104s ◽  
Author(s):  
N.T. Bhoo Pathy ◽  
Y.C. Kong ◽  
S. Subramaniam ◽  
P.P. Goh ◽  
C.W. Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Economic Hardship ◽  
Reproductive Cancers ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
One Year

Background: Worldwide surveys suggest that the use of CAM is becoming increasingly popular among the general population as well as among cancer patients. Aim: We determined the patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in cancer patients, and the associated factors in a multiethnic Asian setting. Methods: Through the Asean CosTs In ONcology (ACTION) prospective cohort study, 1662 newly diagnosed cancer patients were recruited from 12 public and 2 private hospitals in Malaysia. In the current study, we only included 1328 patients who were alive and completed one-year of follow-up. Using questionnaires and cost diaries, patients' sociodemographic factors and disease related factors were measured at baseline, whereas details on CAM use were measured at 12 months. Results: Median age at cancer diagnosis was 53 years. Patients comprised those with breast cancer (33%), gastrointestinal cancers (27%), hematologic malignancies (22%), female reproductive cancers (6%), respiratory cancers (5%), and other types. At one-year, 175 patients reported using CAM (14%), of which 53 comprised patients reporting inability to make necessary household payments (economic hardship) at initial diagnosis. Most CAM users took food or nutritional supplements (75%), spending between RM150 to RM7500 in a year, followed by traditional local medicine (43%), where expenditures ranged between RM50 to RM20,000. A minority practiced homeopathy, and mind-body practices. Fifty-one patients used more than one type of therapy. In CAM users with economic hardship at baseline, median expenditure on CAM was RM1500, with some spending as much as RM10,000. Compared with other cancer types, patients with hematologic malignancies and women with breast cancer were most likely to use CAM. In a multivariable analysis, baseline factors that were associated with CAM use were economic hardship, higher anxiety scores, having female reproductive cancers, or hematologic malignancies, receipt of surgery, and nonreceipt of radiotherapy. Sex, education status, marital status, health insurance status, cancer stage, and systemic cancer therapy do not appear to be associated with CAM use. Conclusion: While the proportion of patients reporting CAM use following a cancer diagnosis appear low in this study, the finding that patients with initial economic hardship were independently more likely to use CAM, warrants attention.

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 Plant-based Complementary and alternative medicine used by breast cancer patients at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Bogotá, Colombia.

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 291
Author(s):  
Luz Angela Diaz ◽  
Lilian Torregrosa ◽  
Luisa Benavidez ◽  
Marcela Mercado ◽  
Susana Fiorentino
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire ◽  
Oncology Center ◽  
Immunomodulatory Potential ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

The present study estimates the frequency of the use of plant-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by breast cancer patients. From June to December of 2011, a self-administered questionnaire was given to 404 breast cancer patients receiving outpatient therapy at the Javeriana Oncology Center of the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Bogotá. The prevalence of patient CAM use was 57%, out of which 76% was based on plants like anamú, aloe, red fruits and soursop. Sixty-five percent of the patients had a positive perception of using  medicinal plants and 57% used them simultaneously with the oncologist recommended allopathic treatment. We concluded that the frequency of CAM use in breast cancer patients at the Javeriana Oncology Center is within the prevalence range reported worldwide, despite differences in CAM types and frequencies. The high rates of plant-based CAM use without physician consent, brings about the lack of assessment of the synergic or antagonistic effects of CAM therapies on the allopathic treatment of breast cancer and evaluation of the antitumor and  immunomodulatory potential of the traditionally used plants.

scholarly journals Complementary and Alternative Medicine use: Influence of Patients’ Satisfaction with Medical Treatment among Breast Cancer Patients at Uganda Cancer Institute

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Kiwanuka
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Patients Satisfaction ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Introduction: Use of Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is high among cancer patients especially breast cancer patients. This study sought to evaluate Complementary and alternative medicine use in breast cancer patients and how its use is influencedby patient’s satisfaction with conventional medical treatment among breast cancer patients attending Uganda Cancer Institute. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. Participants who were diagnosed histologically with breast cancer at Uganda Cancer Institute took part in the study. A questionnaire was developed and used to interview the participants and medical records of the respondents were also reviewed. Results: A total of 235 participants completed the study. The prevalence of CAM use was 77%. CAM therapies used included herbal medicines, prayer for health, vitamins/minerals, native healers, Chinese medicines, massage, yoga, Ayurvedic medicine, Acupuncture, reflexolog, Support group attendance, meditation, Magnetic and Bio-fieldmanipulation. Satisfaction with medical treatment was significantlyassociated with CAM use. Patients who are not satisfiedwith medical treatment were more likely to use CAM. Conclusion: There is a high number of breast cancer patients using CAM, various categories of therapies are being used and patients’ satisfaction with medical treatment triggers off a patients decision to use CAM therapies.

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.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with terminal cancer in Korea: Nationwide cross-sectional study

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 19534-19534
Author(s):  
J. Park ◽  
Y. Chang ◽  
K. Kang ◽  
H. Jeong ◽  
D. Moon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Average Rate ◽  
Terminal Cancer ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Terminal Cancer Patients ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
One Year ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

19534 Background: Although the use of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM) is widespread among patients with chronic diseases including cancer, little is known about CAM use in terminal cancer patients. Methods: This study included 4,042 families of cancer patients who died at 17 hospitals in Korea between January and December 2004. We conducted with telephone survey to decedents’ families. The response rate was 41.1%. The questionnaire included whether cancer patients had used CAM during last one year before death, type of modality, motivation for use, attitudes to CAM, and consultation with doctors. Results: CAM use of cancer patients was reported by 36.3% (604 of 1,662) and the average rate of CAM cost was 32% of total medical costs during one year before patient’s death. CAM use was more likely to death at hospitals (adjusted Odds Ratio: 1.35, 95% Confidential Interval: 1.15–1.58), residence in rural (aOR:1.26, 95%CI:1.08–1.47), need consultations about care (aOR:1.65, 95%CI:1.30–2.09) and religious support (aOR:1.3, 95% CI:1.11–1.53), diagnosis except liver/gallbladder cancer (aOR:0.67, 95%CI:0.55–0.81), and longer disease period (aOR:1.85, 95% CI:1.5–2.2). Use was greatest for mushrooms (41.6%), vegetable juice (25.6%), ginseng (21.8%) and Chinese medicine (16.4%). The motivation for CAM use was the recommendations from family members or friends (83.5%) and internet or advertisement (16.1%) but physicians’ recommendation or education (1.4%) was rare. The 37.4% of families of CAM-used patients were satisfied with CAM because of but feeling better or comfortable (79.3%), not cure (5.4%). And otherwise, the 62.1% of them were unsatisfied with CAM because of no effect (87.3%). Only 41.7% CAM users consulted with their physician. Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of CAM use among terminal cancer patients without recommendation from doctors. Medical staffs should evaluate patients’ CAM use and inform accurately about CAM to terminal cancer patients and family for quality of care improvement. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients in Malaysia: An Early Report From the MyBCC Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 312-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aina Farhana Zulkipli ◽  
Tania Islam ◽  
Nur Aishah Mohd Taib ◽  
Maznah Dahlui ◽  
Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Hospital Treatment ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background. The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased and little is known on CAM use during the initial period. Therefore, the aim was to determine prevalence of CAM use among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients prior to seeking conventional treatment. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study involved interviewing newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) using a structured questionnaire. Eligible respondents were interviewedduring a routine clinical visit. Results. A total of 400 patients were interviewed, of whom 139 (34.8%) were CAM users. Dietary supplementation (n = 107, 77.0%) was the most frequently used type of CAM, followed by spiritual healing (n = 40, 28.8%) and traditional Chinese medicine (n = 32, 23.0%). Malay ethnic group (n = 61, 43.9%) was the largest group of CAM users, followed by Chinese (n = 57, 41.0%) and Indian (n = 20, 14.4%). Majority of these CAM users (n = 87, 73.1%) did not disclose the use of CAM to their doctors. Most of them used remedies based on the recommendation of family and friends. Malay ethnicity and patients with 3 or more comorbidities were more likely to use CAM. Conclusion. There is substantial use of CAM among breast cancer patients in UMMC prior to seeking hospital treatment, and the most popular CAM modality is dietary supplements. Since, the majority of CAM users do not disclose the use of CAM to their physicians, therefore health care providers should ensure that those patients who are likely to use CAM are appropriately counseled and advised.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by Irish patients with breast cancer.

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (27_suppl) ◽  
pp. 259-259
Author(s):  
D. M. Graham ◽  
N. A. O'Connor ◽  
J. McCaffrey ◽  
D. N. Carney
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

259 Background: Worldwide, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has greatly increased over the last decade. CAM use has been shown to be higher in cancer patients than among the general population and is known to be prevalent in patients with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CAM use among Irish breast cancer patients; something which has not previously been examined. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was offered to all patients attending for treatment of malignancy or cancer-care follow-up at a single Irish Cancer Centre over an 8-week period. The reasons for CAM use and those factors that increase the likelihood of CAM use were also investigated. A subset analysis of patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer was performed. Results: A total of 230 questionnaires were distributed. 193 patients responded. Of these, 5 were excluded due to lack of demographic data. Of the 188 surveys available for analysis, 91 respondents (49%) had a diagnosis of breast cancer. Thirty-five breast cancer patients (39%) reported having used CAM. This was not significantly different from other cancer types. Of those patients with breast cancer who used CAM, 11 (12%) commenced CAM use following their cancer diagnosis. Respondents who were under 40 (p=0.005), single (p=0.023) and currently in employment (p=0.001) were more likely to use CAM. The most common reason cited for CAM use was to improve physical well-being (46%) and 78% reported a benefit. No patients reported adverse effects from CAM use. The most commonly used therapies were massage/reflexology (58%), relaxation therapy (61%) and herbal teas (58%). CAM medication therapies were used by 31% CAM users, of whom 32% had not informed their doctor. Conclusions: CAM use is prevalent among Irish breast cancer patients. Use of CAM is more common in young, single, employed patients, in keeping with similar studies in other countries. A significant proportion use CAM medications, which may potentially interact with prescribed treatment. Of note, almost one third of these patients do not inform their doctor. This underlines the need for physicians to ask about CAM use in all patients being treated for breast cancer.

Communication about Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Danish Oncological Settings: An Intervention Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 392-400
Author(s):  
Nina Nissen ◽  
Sara Seerup Laursen ◽  
Henriette Knold Rossau
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

<b><i>Purpose:</i></b> Communication about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) between cancer patients and health professionals rarely takes place. This article reports on an intervention study that aimed to support communication about the use and effects of CAM between cancer patients and care providers. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The intervention consisted of the use of evidence-based information material (website; leaflet) about the effects of CAM for cancer. Focus groups with cancer patients, relatives, nurses and doctors (<i>n</i> = 50) determined the preferred content and format of materials and evaluated the intervention. The information material was informed by a related systematic metareview of literature. A survey identified patient participants’ CAM use, information sources, and the extent of communication about CAM before and after the intervention. <b><i>Results:</i></b> No significant impact of the intervention on communication about CAM for cancer patients, patients’ CAM use or sources of information was identified. Health professionals disseminated the leaflet only in response to patients raising the topic; the website was not accessed during consultations. The intervention and information materials were well received. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Cancer patients and care providers wish to improve communication about CAM. Nevertheless, patients and professionals wait for the other to broach the subject of CAM. This reflects a “culture of waiting.”

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