Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with cancer: a cross-sectional study at different points of cancer care

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used by cancer patients. In order to learn more on the usage of CAM, its reasons and motifs as well as sources of information along the trajectory of treatment, we decided to evaluate the prevalence and predictors for the use of CAM by cancer patients while being under active treatment with chemo- or radiotherapy or in aftercare. We distributed a standardized questionnaire among patients attending a department of radio-oncology, an ambulance for oncology and offices of general practitioners (GPs). Five hundred and six patients took part. Most attributed cancer to stress and trauma (23.7 and 16.4 %) or genes (20.8 %). Forty-four percentage reported knowing a physician with competence in CAM, and in all settings, most patients named the GP. Fifty-one percentage admitted using CAM, 35 % informed the oncologist about using CAM, 56 % informed the GP, and 26 % did not inform any physician. Most often used CAM was vitamin D (17 %) and selenium (16 %). Most important goals were to strengthen the immune system (59 %) and become active (52 %). Most patients were satisfied with the CAM methods they used. Yet, with some methods, dissatisfaction was up to 30 %. The GP has an important function concerning CAM in oncology as most patients believe the GP to have best knowledge in CAM. In order to integrate complementary medicine into evidence-based medicine, physicians should be trained on how to communicate on CAM with the patient and with each other. Explaining cancer and cancer therapies in a way lay persons are able to understand may be helpful. Physicians should actively address patients' needs of involvement not only in decision making, but also actively in the therapy.

Research agenda for life-threatening cancer

“…To integrate complementary medicine into evidence-based medicine, clinicians should be trained on how to communicate on complementary and alternative therapy CAT with the patient and with each other (Wortmann et al, 2016). Lack of knowledge within CAT undermines the ability of professionals to communicate the risks and benefits of CAT (Chang & Chang, 2015).…”

Open to Exploration? Association of Personality Factors With Complementary Therapy Use After Breast Cancer Treatment

“…A meta-analysis published in 2012 estimated that 40% of cancer survivors worldwide use CTs, though estimates are slightly higher in North American countries (46%) and slightly lower in European countries (34%). 3 Several recent studies published since then have found similarly high rates of CT use 4 - 8 or higher. 1 , 9 - 12 Cancer survivors have reported several reasons for CT use, including alleviating side effects of treatment, improving health/healing/immune function, wanting control, and improving emotional/psychological functioning.…”

How to bridge the gap? European medical plants used for treating oral mucositis: on the search for evidence

“…The rate of patients using complementary alternative medicine (CAM) in addition to the therapy regime or to alleviate side effects of cancer treatment ranges from 40 to 90% (Molassiotis et al 2005;Micke et al 2009;Huebner et al 2014;Wortmann et al 2016). However, only around 50% of these patients inform their general practitioner and 35%, their treating oncologist about using CAM.…”

“…As mentioned above, patients commonly use CAM additionally to standard treatment and herbals play a major role (Molassiotis et al 2005;Wortmann et al 2016). Several plants like Matricaria recutita L., Althaea officinalis L., Malva sylvestris L. or Calendula officinalis are known to TEM for treating oral mucositis (Büntzel et al 2019).…”