Why are cancer patients using non-proven complementary therapies? A cross-sectional multicentre study in Norway

1997 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 575-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Risberg ◽  
S. Kaasa ◽  
E. Wist ◽  
H. Melsom
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-126
Author(s):  
Stephanie Borg Spagnol

This paper explores the experiences of an oncologist, a clinical complementary therapist, and a clinical psychologist regarding the use of complementary therapies (CTs) by cancer patients. Additionally, it also investigates the efficacy of CTs and their contribution in alleviating the side-effects of cancer and its treatment when used simultaneously with conventional cancer medication. A qualitative research design using narrative inquiry was adopted to gain the in-depth experience of the three participants. It is a cross-sectional study, portraying a longitudinal perspective through the professional years of experience that these research participants have in the oncology domain. Purposive sampling was the method used to choose the participants, and data was collected through in-depth narrative interviewing. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic narrative analysis. Four central themes emerged from this study that depict: (1) the impact of cancer on the patients’ well-being, (2) the role of complementary therapies from the practitioners’ perspective, (3) the need for reliable information that is easily accessible to both patients and healthcare practitioners, and (4) the imminent demand for therapists who are qualified in clinical complementary therapies. Conclusions drawn from this study indicate that more evidence-based research is required to support the use of CTs in cancer care as well as additional training on CTs to the healthcare professionals. It is advised that oncology doctors are informed about the versatility of CTs, their benefits and the possible harmful interactions with conventional cancer medication, and additionally, it is recommended that in order to increase patients’ awareness of the use of CTs within cancer care, information on their safety and efficacy should be made more readily available to the patients. Furthermore, the need for more complementary therapists who are specialised to work within the field of oncology was identified, hence it is recommended that local vocational institutions such as MCAST address this demand by providing accredited courses and training in clinical complementary therapies.


2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trine Naalsund Andreassen ◽  
Ingrid Eftedal ◽  
Pål Klepstad ◽  
Andrew Davies ◽  
Kristin Bjordal ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Rahman Jazieh ◽  
Khadega A. Abuelgasim ◽  
Husam I. Ardah ◽  
Mohammad Alkaiyat ◽  
Omar B. Da’ar

Abstract Background The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among cancer patients and it may reflect the individual and societal beliefs on cancer therapy. Our study aimed to evaluate the trends of CAM use among patients with cancer between 2006 and 2018. Methods We included 2 Cohorts of patients with cancer who were recruited for Cohort 1 between 2006 and 2008 and for Cohort 2 between 2016 and 2018. The study is a cross-sectional study obtaining demographic and clinical information and inquiring about the types of CAM used, the reasons to use them and the perceived benefits. We compared the changes in the patterns of CAM use and other variables between the two cohorts. Results A total of 1416 patients were included in the study, with 464 patients in Cohort 1 and 952 patients in Cohort 2. Patients in Cohort 2 used less CAM (78.9%) than Cohort 1 (96.8%). Cohort 1 was more likely to use CAM to treat cancer compared to Cohort 2 (84.4% vs. 73%, respectively, p < 0.0001,); while Cohort 2 used CAM for symptom management such as pain control and improving appetite among others. Disclosure of CAM use did not change significantly over time and remains low (31.6% in Cohort 1 and 35.7% for Cohort 2). However, physicians were more likely to express an opposing opinion against CAM use in Cohort 2 compared to Cohort 1 (48.7% vs. 19.1%, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion There is a significant change in CAM use among cancer patients over the decade, which reflects major societal and cultural changes in this population. Further studies and interventions are needed to improve the disclosure to physicians and to improve other aspects of care to these patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 153473542098391
Author(s):  
Chieh-Ying Chin ◽  
Yung-Hsiang Chen ◽  
Shin-Chung Wu ◽  
Chien-Ting Liu ◽  
Yun-Fang Lee ◽  
...  

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 232 (06) ◽  
pp. 294-299
Author(s):  
Maria Otth ◽  
Sibylle Denzler ◽  
Sibylle Schmid ◽  
Birgitta Setz ◽  
Katrin Scheinemann

Abstract Background Inpatient rehabilitation improves physical and psychosocial performance in childhood cancer patients and their families. Two kinds of inpatient rehabilitation are available in specialized institutions in Germany: family-oriented rehabilitation or peer group-oriented rehabilitation for adolescents and young adults (AYA). Our study aimed to find out what Swiss childhood and AYA cancer patients and their families thought about the rehabilitation programs in which they had participated. Patients and methods We conducted a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study of Swiss childhood and AYA cancer patients and their families whose inpatient rehabilitation stays were scheduled to take place in Germany between May 2012 and March 2019. We analyzed the data descriptively and present our findings in accordance with the STROBE statement. Results Of the 57 eligible families contacted, 38 (67%) responded. Most rated the rehabilitation stay as very good (68%) or good (26%). Nearly all participants emphasized that these programs should be available to all affected patients and their families. Most (80%) thought the program gave them enough valuable information to enable them to cope with daily life after the stay ended. Only one fifth (19%) of the rehabilitation stays were fully funded by the health or disability insurance. Conclusion Participants expressed an overwhelmingly positive opinion about the rehabilitation programs they attended. We are convinced that childhood and AYA cancer patients and their families in Switzerland benefit from these programs and encourage insurances to cover the costs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233372142199766
Author(s):  
Zeynep Sipahi Karslı ◽  
Berna Kurt ◽  
İbrahim Karadağ ◽  
Berna Çakmak Öksüzoğlu

The study aimed to evaluate the Coronavirus pandemic awareness of cancer patients ≥65 years of age, considered a vulnerable group, and their hospital arrival process, follow-ups and treatments during the pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic was found to increases the mortality and morbidity rates of individuals who aged 65 years and older. The research was conducted with a cross-sectional descriptive correlational design. The sample consist of 77 cancer patients aged 65 years and older adult. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling. In total, 77 patients from the Oncology Hospital located in Ankara from April 29, 2020 to May 20, 2020. Data were collected using a two-part form and a questionnaire. The study was undertaken in accordance with the STROBE checklist for observational studies. Of the participants, 59.7% were female, the mean age was 70 years, 79.2% resided in Ankara and 98.7% traveled to the hospital by car. Looking at the gender and the protective measures taken at home, female participants were found to perform a statistically significant higher level of protective measures. In conclusion, the study results suggest that the restrictions for older adult oncology patients during the pandemic did not negatively affect the delivery of health care.


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