Echinacea for Cancer Patients: To Give or Not to Give

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-116
Author(s):  
Ali Tafazoli
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Alternative Therapies ◽  
Standard Formulation ◽  
Herbal Supplements ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Therapies ◽  
Tumor Growth And Invasion ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Currently, there is a progressive trend for the use of complementary and alternative therapies among cancer patients. Herbal products have a huge market in this field. Among herbal supplements which are consumed in this population, Echinacea preparations are very popular. These natural products have immune-boosting effects that can suppress tumor growth and invasion. However, there is a concern about proposing a standard formulation for this indication. Some ingredients of these herbs can even be tumor promoting. Therefore, a meticulous investigation on this issue would be highly valuable before making a recommendation or prohibition about Echinacea products for cancer patients.

scholarly journals Advanced Stage Cancer Patients Experience in Seeking Treatment in Medan, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (13) ◽  
pp. 2194-2203
Author(s):  
Muthia Deliana ◽  
Dewi Elizadiani Suza ◽  
Rosina Tarigan
Keyword(s):  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Alternative Treatment ◽  
Alternative Therapies ◽  
Advanced Stage ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Therapies ◽  
Advanced Stage Cancer ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

BACKGROUND: Proper treatment of cancer can make it easier for the healing process. Delay in patients seeking treatment is a problem that often occurs today. Handling of complementary and alternative therapies, which is not appropriate is one of the causes of delay in seeking treatment, which worsens the patient's condition. Patients usually come to health services already diagnosed with advanced cancer. AIM: The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of advanced cancer patients in seeking treatment. METHODS: This study is qualitative research with descriptive phenomenology approach. Participants in this study were 15 advanced cancer patients who were treated in the chemotherapy room at Adam Malik General Hospital Medan and Murni Teguh Hospital using purposive sampling technique. Data collection was done with in-depth interviews. All interviews were first recorded and then transcribed. This study was analysed using the Colaizzi approach method. RESULTS: The six main themes indicated that advanced-stage cancer patients for seeking treatment. Themes such as 1) choose the complementary and alternative treatment rather than medical treatment, 2) seek medical treatment as a final decision, 3) integrating complementary treatment as supportive therapy in addition to medical treatment, 4) external sources influence patient decisions, 5) reduce negative feelings by surrendering to God, and 6) lack of involvement of basic health services. CONCLUSION: Advanced cancer patients have experience using complementary and alternative therapies, which are not appropriate before using a medical treatment on the grounds of distrust of medical treatment and advice from the environment around patients. The importance of nurses in providing appropriate education related to complementary and alternative treatment to cancer patients according to the stage of the disease.

Use of complementary and alternative therapies by Western Australian cancer patients

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo PIRRI ◽  
Paul KATRIS ◽  
James TROTTER ◽  
Evan BAYLISS ◽  
Robert BENNETT ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Alternative Therapies ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Therapies ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Complementary And Alternative
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