scholarly journals Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Young Patients with Breast Cancer

Breast Care ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friederike Hammersen ◽  
Telja Pursche ◽  
Dorothea Fischer ◽  
Alexander Katalinic ◽  
Annika Waldmann
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has received increasing attention in Western countries and is especially common among breast cancer (BC) patients. So far, its effectiveness has not been well studied, which is in part due to the contextuality of CAM along with a lack of information of why patients use it. Objectives: Young BC patients constitute a special patient group regarding clinical characteristics, QOL, and their role in society. Since little is known about their CAM use, this study aimed at exploring it as well as their reasons for CAM use. Methods: Data on CAM and sociodemographics were collected via questionnaire in the context of a rehabilitation program for young mothers with BC. Initial BC diagnoses were between 2009 and 2014 (recruitment period 2012–2015). Clinical characteristics were derived from the patient files. Descriptive statistics were used to describe frequencies and statistically significant differences were tested. Results: Among the 827 patients, with an average age of 39.6 years, 62.5% had used CAM with regard to their cancer. CAM use was significantly higher in women with higher educational level, higher employment status, and statutory health insurance, respectively. The average monthly expenses on CAM were EUR 50. Every 5th woman used CAM without her physician’s knowledge. The types most often used were dietary supplements with vitamins or minerals. The most frequent reasons for CAM use were to strengthen the immune system, support conventional medicine, and combat side effects. Conclusions: CAM plays an important role for young BC patients with regard to prevalence and monthly expenses, and was used for a wide range of reasons. Certain subgroups with more frequent CAM use could be identified. Physicians should therefore proactively talk about CAM with their young BC patients, so that patients do not need to rely on information sources on CAM outside the medical system.

scholarly journals Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Breast Cancer Patients at a Medical Center in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 153473542098391
Author(s):  
Chieh-Ying Chin ◽  
Yung-Hsiang Chen ◽  
Shin-Chung Wu ◽  
Chien-Ting Liu ◽  
Yun-Fang Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming more common in medical practice, but little is known about the concurrent use of CAM and conventional treatment. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the types of CAM used and their prevalence in a regional patient cohort with breast cancer (BC). Methods BC patients were interviewed with a structured questionnaire survey on the use of CAM in southern Taiwan at an Integrative Breast Cancer Center (IBCC). The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) classification was used to group responses. Over a period of 8 months, all patients receiving treatment for cancer at the IBCC were approached. Results A total of 106 BC patients completed the survey (response rate: 79.7%). The prevalence of CAM use was 82.4%. Patients who were employed, were receiving radiotherapy and hormone therapy, and had cancer for a longer duration were more likely to use CAM ( P < .05). Multivariate analysis identified employment as an independent predictor of CAM use (OR = 6.92; 95% CI = 1.33-36.15). Dietary supplementation (n = 69, 82.1%) was the type of CAM most frequently used, followed by exercise (n = 48, 57.1%) and traditional Chinese medicine (n = 29, 34.5%). The main reason for using CAM was to ameliorate the side effects of conventional therapies. Almost half (46.4%) of these CAM users did not disclose that they were using it in medical consultations with their physicians. Most chose to use CAM due to recommendations from family and friends. Conclusion A large portion of BC patients at the IBCC undergoing anti-cancer treatment courses used CAM, but less than half discussed it with their physicians. Given the high prevalence of CAM, it would be justifiable to direct further resources toward this service so that cancer patients can benefit from a holistic approach to their treatment.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Hispanics in the United States

2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 994-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanca I Ortiz ◽  
Kelly M Shields ◽  
Kevin A Clauson ◽  
Patrick G Clay
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Star Anise ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

OBJECTIVE: To review the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Hispanics in the US and highlight the modalities most likely to be unfamiliar to healthcare practitioners. DATA SOURCES: A search of the literature published in English and a subsequent bibliographic search were conducted using MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, EMBASE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Manual Alternative and Natural Therapy Index System (1980– March 2007). Primary search terms included, but were not limited to, Hispanic, Latino, complementary and alternative medicine, and dietary supplements. Studies that assessed or evaluated the use of CAM in the Hispanic population were reviewed. Articles that included both Hispanics and non-Hispanics were also included. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: The literature search yielded 42 articles focused on the use of CAM by Hispanics. Survey was the most common method used in these studies, although some hybrid interviews were also conducted. DATA SYNTHESIS: Hispanics were identified homogenously in some studies and more correctly as a heterogeneous population in others. Some trials examined overall CAM use, whereas others looked at specific dietary supplements and herbs. Most reports found a higher than expected rate of CAM use in Hispanics (50–90%). A number of products potentially unfamiliar to healthcare practitioners, such as linden, sapodilla, and star anise, were reported as commonly used in several studies. Many studies were limited by the sample size or use of only one Hispanic subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Hispanics use a wide range of CAM therapies, including several that may be unfamiliar to healthcare practitioners. Understanding the rationale, motivations, and history of Hispanics' use of CAM will enhance the cultural competence of healthcare professionals and help address these patients' medical needs. TRASFONDO: El uso de terapias de medicina complementaria y alternativa (CAM) es común entre los pacientes y se cree que la etnicidad influye en la frecuencia y extensión de su uso. Los pacientes de origen Hispano son una sub-población en rápido crecimiento. Con el fin de proveer efectivamente cuidado a este grupo de pacientes, es importante entender el papel de las terapias CAM en los tratamientos de esta población.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine/Integrative Medicine Approaches

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalpana D. Shere-Wolfe
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Alternative Medications ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not currently considered part of conventional medicine. If a non-mainstream practice is used together with conventional medicine, it is considered “complementary.” If a non-mainstream practice is used in place of conventional medicine, it is considered “alternative.” Many patients use CAM approaches to their care. Often, patients do not disclose what methods they are using, and providers may have little knowledge of the effects of alternative medications. Interactions with antiretroviral therapy and other medications are important to the care of the patient. Physicians need to routinely ask about CAM use, particularly herbal medicines and supplements.

scholarly journals Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among emergency department (ED) patients in Sweden

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny M Carlsson ◽  
Madelene Vestin ◽  
Kristofer Bjerså
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract Background It has been suggested that the combination of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional medicine carries a risk of adverse effects. The prevalence of CAM usage among patients in the Swedish emergency department (ED) is unknown. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate CAM use among visiting patients at a Swedish ED. Method A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed between August and October 2016 at an ED in Sweden. The questionnaire included 16 items regarding CAM use, factors associated with CAM use and patient healthcare communication and was distributed to 1600 patients. Results A total of 1029 questionnaires was returned (RR 64.3%). Current CAM use was reported by 7.9%, during the last year by 38.0%, and within lifetime by 72.9%. Factors associated with CAM use were: being a woman, middle-aged, in full-time employment, with secondary education level, higher use of non-prescription drugs and lower use of prescription drugs. Patient healthcare personnel communication about CAM was found to be approximately 5%. Conclusion CAM usage exists among patients visiting Swedish EDs and almost one in ten uses CAM on the same day as the ED visit. CAM usage is associated with demographic factors. However, communication about CAM usage with ED personnel is poor.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Dermatology Outpatients

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 570-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid M. AlGhamdi ◽  
Huma Khurrum ◽  
Sahar H. Al-Natour ◽  
Waleed Alghamdi ◽  
Thamer Mubki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Arab World ◽  
Common Belief ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background: Little is known about the prevalence and practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among dermatology patients in the Arab world. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitudes about CAM, prevalence of its use, reasons for its use, and types of CAM used in dermatology patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a national survey of various regions of Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, dermatology outpatients were interviewed using a questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, acceptability, utilization pattern, and reasons for CAM use were elicited. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was obtained. Results: Overall, 1901 patients returned complete questionnaires out of 2500 distributed (76% response rate). Of these, 808 (40%) were CAM users, and the majority were woman (55.1%), with a mean age of 31.6 ± 12 years. Most were literate (71.2%) and just over half were married (51.9%). Patients with acute skin diseases were found to be more likely to use CAM ( P = .027). The mean DLQI score was higher (worse quality of life) among CAM users than among nonusers ( P = .002). The results showed that 315 of 801 (40%) and 250 of 601 (30%) CAM users agreed that CAM methods are safer and more effective than modern medicine, respectively, and 83% will continue to use CAM in future. The most commonly used CAM modalities were vitamins, prayers, natural products, and herbs. Responses indicated that 379 of 803 (47.2%) CAM users did not consult their doctor before using CAM, and 219 of 743 (30%) did not obtain sufficient answers regarding CAM use from their dermatologists. Conclusions: There is a significant use of CAM among dermatology outpatients in Saudi Arabia. In view of the common belief that CAM has fewer side effects than conventional medicine, dermatologists need to increase their awareness of CAM.

scholarly journals Plant-based Complementary and alternative medicine used by breast cancer patients at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Bogotá, Colombia.

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 291
Author(s):  
Luz Angela Diaz ◽  
Lilian Torregrosa ◽  
Luisa Benavidez ◽  
Marcela Mercado ◽  
Susana Fiorentino
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire ◽  
Oncology Center ◽  
Immunomodulatory Potential ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

The present study estimates the frequency of the use of plant-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by breast cancer patients. From June to December of 2011, a self-administered questionnaire was given to 404 breast cancer patients receiving outpatient therapy at the Javeriana Oncology Center of the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Bogotá. The prevalence of patient CAM use was 57%, out of which 76% was based on plants like anamú, aloe, red fruits and soursop. Sixty-five percent of the patients had a positive perception of using  medicinal plants and 57% used them simultaneously with the oncologist recommended allopathic treatment. We concluded that the frequency of CAM use in breast cancer patients at the Javeriana Oncology Center is within the prevalence range reported worldwide, despite differences in CAM types and frequencies. The high rates of plant-based CAM use without physician consent, brings about the lack of assessment of the synergic or antagonistic effects of CAM therapies on the allopathic treatment of breast cancer and evaluation of the antitumor and  immunomodulatory potential of the traditionally used plants.

scholarly journals Patterns of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use, Perceived Benefits, and Adverse Effects among Adult Users in Enugu Urban, Southeast Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ijeoma Okoronkwo ◽  
Jane-lovena Onyia-pat ◽  
Pat Okpala ◽  
Mary-Ann Agbo ◽  
Afam Ndu
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Major Route ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is now on the increase. Evidence from studies carried out globally has established that CAM use is very common and varies among populations. This study investigated patterns of CAM use, perceived benefits, and associated harm with CAM use among adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three local government areas of Enugu urban, Southeast Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from all consenting adult participants aged between 18 and 65 years. Of the 732 participants interviewed, 62.8% were females while 37.2% were males. Majority (84.7%) of the participants had used CAM at one time or another. The most commonly used CAM product was the biological products, followed by spiritual therapy. The major route of administration for CAM products was oral and about 40% of the participants combined CAM with conventional medicine. Majority (78.6%) of CAM users benefited from CAM products after using them while a few complained of adverse reactions. As CAM is gaining widespread acceptance and use, there is need for clinical trial on the benefits and adverse effects associated with the use of CAM to facilitate proof of efficacy and safety of the products.

scholarly journals Attitudes underlying reliance on complementary and alternative medicine

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Szilvia Zörgő ◽  
Gjalt - Jorn Ygram Peters ◽  
Samvel Mkhitaryan
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Specific Level ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
The One ◽  
Threatening Situation ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Objective: We aimed to map attitudes underlying complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, especially those involved in “dysfunctional CAM reliance”, that is, foregoing biomedical treatment in a life-threatening situation in favor of alternative treatment. Analyses of modifiable determinants of CAM use were conducted at a sufficiently specific level to inform intervention development.Methods: We collected usable data on CAM-related attitudinal beliefs from 151 participants in Budapest with varying degrees of CAM use, which we analyzed using Confidence Interval-Based Estimation of Relevance plots.Results: Although there were beliefs which the entire sample shared, there was a marked difference between the biomedical and CAM groups. These differences were beliefs concerning trust in various medical systems; the level of importance assigned to emotions in falling ill; and vitalism or Eastern concepts. Regarding CAM users in general, the most successful intervention targets are beliefs in vitalism on the one hand, and distrust in biomedicine on the other. In addressing dysfunctional CAM use specifically, the most significant beliefs pertain to “natural” cures and reliance on biomedical testing.Conclusions: Albeit much research has been carried out on the motivations behind CAM use, rarely do studies treat complementary and alternative CAM users separately in order to scrutinize patterns of non-conventional medicine use and underlying cognition. This is the first study to begin pinpointing specific attitudes involved in dysfunctional CAM use to inform future intervention development. Such interventions would be essential for the prevention of incidents and mortality.

scholarly journals Complementary and Alternative Medicine use: Influence of Patients’ Satisfaction with Medical Treatment among Breast Cancer Patients at Uganda Cancer Institute

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Kiwanuka
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Patients Satisfaction ◽  
Cam Use ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Introduction: Use of Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is high among cancer patients especially breast cancer patients. This study sought to evaluate Complementary and alternative medicine use in breast cancer patients and how its use is influencedby patient’s satisfaction with conventional medical treatment among breast cancer patients attending Uganda Cancer Institute. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. Participants who were diagnosed histologically with breast cancer at Uganda Cancer Institute took part in the study. A questionnaire was developed and used to interview the participants and medical records of the respondents were also reviewed. Results: A total of 235 participants completed the study. The prevalence of CAM use was 77%. CAM therapies used included herbal medicines, prayer for health, vitamins/minerals, native healers, Chinese medicines, massage, yoga, Ayurvedic medicine, Acupuncture, reflexolog, Support group attendance, meditation, Magnetic and Bio-fieldmanipulation. Satisfaction with medical treatment was significantlyassociated with CAM use. Patients who are not satisfiedwith medical treatment were more likely to use CAM. Conclusion: There is a high number of breast cancer patients using CAM, various categories of therapies are being used and patients’ satisfaction with medical treatment triggers off a patients decision to use CAM therapies.

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