8 research outputs found
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients: a European survey
Background: The aim of this study was to explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer patients across a number of European countries. Methods: A descriptive survey design was developed. Fourteen countries participated in the study and data was collected through a descriptive questionnaire from 956 patients. Results: Data suggest that CAM is popular among cancer patients with 35.9% using some form of CAM (range among countries 14.8% to 73.1%). A heterogeneous group of 58 therapies were identified as being used. Herbal medicines and remedies were the most commonly used CAM therapies, together with homeopathy, vitamins/minerals, medicinal teas, spiritual therapies and relaxation techniques. Herbal medicine use tripled from use before diagnosis to use since diagnosis with cancer. Multivariate analysis suggested that the profile of the CAM user was that of younger people, female and with higher educational level. The source of information was mainly from friends/family and the media, while physicians and nurses played a small part in providing CAM-related information. The majority used CAM to increase the body's ability to fight cancer or improve physical and emotional well-being, and many seemed to have benefited from using CAM (even though the benefits were not necessarily related to the initial reason for using CAM). Some 4.4% of patients, however, reported side-effects, mostly transient. Conclusions: It is imperative that health professionals explore the use of CAM with their cancer patients, educate them about potentially beneficial therapies in light of the limited available evidence of effectiveness, and work towards an integrated model of health-care provisio
Complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with gynecological cancers in Europe
Complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with head and neck cancers in Europe
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients: a European survey
Background: The aim of this study was to explore the use of
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer patients across a
number of European countries.
Methods: A descriptive survey design was developed. Fourteen countries
participated in the study and data was collected through a descriptive
questionnaire from 956 patients.
Results: Data suggest that CAM is popular among cancer patients with
35.9% using some form of CAM (range among countries 14.8% to 73.1%).
A heterogeneous group of 58 therapies were identified as being used.
Herbal medicines and remedies were the most commonly used CAM therapies,
together with homeopathy, vitamins/minerals, medicinal teas, spiritual
therapies and relaxation techniques. Herbal medicine use tripled from
use before diagnosis to use since diagnosis with cancer. Multivariate
analysis suggested that the profile of the CAM user was that of younger
people, female and with higher educational level. The source of
information was mainly from friends/family and the media, while
physicians and nurses played a small part in providing CAM-related
information. The majority used CAM to increase the body’s ability to
fight cancer or improve physical and emotional well-being, and many
seemed to have benefited from using CAM (even though the benefits were
not necessarily related to the initial reason for using CAM). Some 4.4%
of patients, however, reported side-effects, mostly transient.
Conclusions: It is imperative that health professionals explore the use
of CAM with their cancer patients, educate them about potentially
beneficial therapies in light of the limited available evidence of
effectiveness, and work towards an integrated model of health-care
provision
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients: a European survey
Background: The aim of this study was to explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer patients across a number of European countries. Methods: A descriptive survey design was developed. Fourteen countries participated in the study and data was collected through a descriptive questionnaire from 956 patients. Results: Data suggest that CAM is popular among cancer patients with 35.9% using some form of CAM (range among countries 14.8% to 73.1%). A heterogeneous group of 58 therapies were identified as being used. Herbal medicines and remedies were the most commonly used CAM therapies, together with homeopathy, vitamins/minerals, medicinal teas, spiritual therapies and relaxation techniques. Herbal medicine use tripled from use before diagnosis to use since diagnosis with cancer. Multivariate analysis suggested that the profile of the CAM user was that of younger people, female and with higher educational level. The source of information was mainly from friends/family and the media, while physicians and nurses played a small part in providing CAM-related information. The majority used CAM to increase the body’s ability to fight cancer or improve physical and emotional well-being, and many seemed to have benefited from using CAM (even though the benefits were not necessarily related to the initial reason for using CAM). Some 4.4% of patients, however, reported side-effects, mostly transient. Conclusions: It is imperative that health professionals explore the use of CAM with their cancer patients, educate them about potentially beneficial therapies in light of the limited available evidence of effectiveness, and work towards an integrated model of health-care provision