Demand for integrative medicine among women with breast and gynecological cancer: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Southern and Northern Germany

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to analyze a cohort of breast (BC) and gynecological cancer (GC) patients regarding their interest in, perception of and demand for integrative therapeutic health approaches. Methods BC and GC patients were surveyed at their first integrative clinic visit using validated standardized questionnaires. Treatment goals and potential differences between the two groups were evaluated. Results 340 patients (272 BC, 68 GC) participated in the study. The overall interest in IM was 95.3% and correlated with older age, recent chemotherapy, and higher education. A total of 89.4% were using integrative methods at the time of enrolment, primarily exercise therapy (57.5%), and vitamin supplementation (51.4%). The major short-term goal of the BC patients was a side-effects reduction of conventional therapy (70.4%); the major long-term goal was the delay of a potential tumor progression (69.3%). In the GC group, major short-term and long-term goals were slowing tumor progression (73.1% and 79.1%) and prolonging survival (70.1% and 80.6%). GC patients were significantly more impaired by the side-effects of conventional treatment than BC patients [pain (p = 0.006), obstipation (< 0.005)]. Conclusion Our data demonstrate a high overall interest in and use of IM in BC and GC patients. This supports the need for specialized IM counseling and the implementation of integrative treatments into conventional oncological treatment regimes in both patient groups. Primary tumor site, cancer diagnosis, treatment phase, and side effects had a relevant impact on the demand for IM in our study population.

Post-Diagnosis use of Antioxidant Vitamin Supplements and Breast Cancer Prognosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…A survey study contemporary with DELCaP and MARIE studies showed that more than a quarter of patients used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during oncology therapy to alleviate the side effects of treatment [23]. A present multicenter cross-sectional study in Southern and Northern Germany showed 70.4% of breast patients wanted to reduce the side effects of conventional therapy with CAM [24]. These patients were generally more likely to interrupt tumor therapy than non-AVS users because of the side effects of treatment.…”

Active Participation, Mind–Body Stabilization, and Coping Strategies with Integrative Medicine in Breast Cancer Patients

“…This is in accordance with the findings of other studies that have reported that reducing tumor progression is a major long-term treatment goal for breast cancer patients who use integrative medicine. 35 However, it is difficult for patients to draw firm conclusions on whether this therapy goal has been achieved, and no links have been established between the use of integrative medicine and disease prognosis or mortality. 15 However, a fear of tumor recurrence has been found to be associated with the use of CAM by patients.…”

Informationsbedarf Komplementärmedizin in der Onkologie

“…Darüber hinaus werden komplementäre Methoden oft mit dem Ziel eingesetzt, die Lebensqualität zu verbessern, therapieinduzierte Symptome zu lindern und/oder das Immunsystem zu stärken [6].…”