Patients in Northwestern Turkey Prefer Herbs as Complementary Medicine after Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract

Background: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in order to define the prevalence, pattern, and predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in breast cancer patients in northwestern Turkey. Patients and Methods: All patients admitted to the breast center between January 2005 and January 2006 were consecutively included in the study. Demographics and clinical data of study patients were noted. A 15-item questionnaire was used to document the attitude of breast cancer patients towards CAM modalities. Primary outcomes were prevalence, pattern, and predictors of CAM. Secondary outcomes were the reasons for CAM use, the number and type of adverse events related to CAM use, and the satisfaction level of CAM users. Results: Nearly one third of breast cancer patients use at least one type of CAM in addition to conventional therapy. Most chose herbal medicines which they think support their general health status. Nettle (Urtica diocia/U. urens) was the most common herbal medicine that patients consume. Previous experience with CAM was the most significant factor for CAM use after breast cancer diagnosis. Being young and married as well as receiving radiotherapy were among other independent factors for using any CAM modality.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among Breast Cancer Patients in a Public Hospital in Padang, Indonesia

“…herbal medicine (92.72%). Similar to this study, Molassiotics 9 and Gulluoglu 23 reported that herbal remedies, treatment with tea, vitamins and minerals, spiritual therapy, homeopathy and relaxation techniques were most popular CAM therapy in cancer patients. Other study reported that herbal medicines and dietary supplements were widely used to overcome side effects of conventional cancer treatment and several studies have done to prove the efficacy of CAM as well.…”

“…Other study reported that herbal medicines and dietary supplements were widely used to overcome side effects of conventional cancer treatment and several studies have done to prove the efficacy of CAM as well. 23 The CAM usage, especially herbal medicines, most likely influenced by the community tradition in using natural medicines. According to Algier, 24 use of herbal medicines compared to other CAM therapies was influenced by cultures.…”

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Breast Cancer Survivors

“…Previous studies reported that dietary supplements, herbs, spiritual therapies and massage were commonly used by breast cancer patients (Chen et al, 2008;Gulluoglu et al, 2008;Owens et al, 2009;Bright-Gbebry et al, 2011;Soraya et al, 2011). The present study showed that breast cancer survivors were more likely to use dietary supplements (vitamin) and spiritual activities.…”

“…Many breast cancer patients were attracted to use CAM therapies as they believed that CAM could boost the immune system, reduce pain, relieve stress, prevent cancer recurrence and cope with side effects of conventional treatment (Chen et al, 2008;Gulluoglu et al, 2008;Kremser et al, 2008). Dissatisfaction with conventional treatment and poor doctor-patient relationship were also found to motivate breast cancer patients to use CAM (Lengacher et al, 2006;Mao et al, 2007;Sirois, 2008).…”

“…Vitamin, herbs and spiritual practices were the main types of CAM commonly used by breast cancer patients (Gulluoglu et al, 2008;Owens et al, 2009;Bright-Gbebry …”