After completing this course, the reader will be able to:1. Discuss the danger inherent in nondisclosure of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use due to the potential for herb-or vitamin-drug interactions with conventional treatment.2. Explain the need for greater patient-doctor communication about CAM use in oncology settings in order to maintain patient safety and wellbeing.This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com. CME CME Results. A total of 21 studies were located, which reported a prevalence of CAM use among patients with cancer ranging between 11% and 95%; of these patients, 20% to 77% did not disclose their CAM use. The main reasons for nondisclosure were the doctor's lack of inquiry; patient's anticipation of the doctor's disapproval, disinterest, or inability to help; and patient's perception that disclosure of CAM use is irrelevant to their conventional care. There is some evidence to suggest that patient-doctor communication about the use of CAM was associated with an enhanced patient-doctor relationship and higher patient satisfaction.
ABSTRACT
Conclusions. Although the use of CAM by patients with
Background
Many breast cancer survivors experience fatigue, mood, and sleep disturbances.
Purpose
To compare a Meditative Movement practice, Qigong/Tai Chi Easy (QG/TCE), with sham Qigong (SQG), testing effects of meditation/breath aspects of QG/TCE on breast cancer survivors' persistent fatigue and other symptoms.
Methods
A double-blind, randomized controlled trial tested 12-weeks of QG/TCE versus SQG on fatigue, depression and sleep among 87 post-menopausal, fatigued breast cancer survivors, Stage 0-III, age 40–75.
Results
Fatigue decreased significantly in the QG/TCE group compared to control at post-intervention (p = 0.005) and 3 month follow-up (p = 0.024), but not depression and sleep quality. Improvement occurred over time for both interventions in depression and sleep quality (all p < 0.05).
Conclusions
QG/TCE showed significant improvement over time compared to SQG for fatigue, but not depression or sleep. Both QG/TCE and SQG showed improvement for two prevalent symptoms among breast cancer survivors, depression and sleep dysfunction.
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