The trends of complementary alternative medicine use among cancer patients

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.

Psychosomatic Symptoms in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients and Its Relation With Using Complementary and Alternative Medicines: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southeast Iran

“…As a result, they may use CAM more frequently to alleviate stress and enhance their immune systems ( 51 ). However, alternative indications for the use of CAMs include cancer treatment and symptom management, such as pain control and appetite enhancement ( 24 ). Albabtain et al discovered that many women used CAM to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing, with the primary cause being improved immune system function ( 41 ).…”

“…Additionally, the critical issue is to convince patients to consult with doctors, which requires cultivating a culture and educating patients in this regard. A study conducted between 2006 and 2008 as well as between 2016 and 2018 found that disclosure of CAM use had not changed significantly over time and remained low (31.6–35.7 percent), indicating that additional research and interventions are needed to identify the causes and increase disclosure of information to physicians by cancer patients ( 24 ). Furthermore, the absence of management advice and data on the quantity and quality of CAM-related recommendations in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for treatment or management demonstrates a significant gap in the necessary guidance for physicians and clinical researchers ( 56 ).…”

“…Jazieh et al investigated the trend of CAM use in cancer patients between 2006 and 2018, finding that 78.9 percent used CAM between 2006 and 2008 and 96.8 percent between 2016 and 2018. The widespread use of CAM among cancer patients indicates significant social and cultural changes in this population ( 24 ). Bar-Sela et al discovered that cancer patients who used CAM six times per week experienced significant reductions in anxiety ( 25 ).…”

Quality of life in terminally ill cancer patients: what is the role of using complementary and alternative medicines?

“…Several studies in Iran have found that a high percentage of Iranians use complementary and alternative medicine [ 22 – 25 ]. Numerous studies demonstrate that CAM is widely used by cancer patients, and some studies’ findings indicate a rise in the usage of CAM or its use over the last decade [ 26 ]. During crises such as the outbreak of COVID-19, some types of CAM, especially dietary supplements, herbs, and prayers, are commonly used to prevent COVID-19 and reduce the anxiety caused by the epidemic [ 25 ].…”

Prevalence of Complementary And Alternative Medicine Use In Brazil: Results of The National Health Survey, 2019

“…However, this is the fastest-growing supply in the country, with a more than 200% increase in the number of services and the one with the highest number of services offered per population 2.20/100000 inhabitant 6 . Studies have shown that yoga and meditation have also been presented as spiritual practices, used mainly for people affected by cancer and other chronic conditions to promote health and quality of life 39,40 .…”