Breast cancer patients’ satisfaction with individual therapy goals and treatment in a standardized integrative medicine consultancy service

Hack, Carolin C.; Antoniadis, Sophia; Hackl, Janina; Langemann, Hanna; Schwitulla, Judith; Fasching, Peter A.; Beckmann, Matthias W.; Theuser, Anna-Katharin

doi:10.1007/s00404-018-4779-4

Cited by 9 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 20 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Interestingly enough, only 27% of our study population expressed the wish for implementation of psychological counseling into cancer care, whereas 54% did so with respect to CAM concepts and 43% to dietary counseling. Hack et al [56 ]were aware of breast cancer patients' growing interest in integrative therapeutic approaches but came to realize that published data on how to implement a comprehensive consultancy service on integrative medicine were missing. Hence, they developed a standardized procedure for conducting an integrative medicine consultation and incorporating it into routine patient care at the Department of OBGYN in Erlangen, Germany.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating the Demand for Integrative Medicine Practices in Breast and Gynecological Cancer Patients

Schuerger

Klein

Hapfelmeier³

et al. 2018

Breast Care

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction: Integrative medicine is becoming increasingly relevant to modern oncology. The present study aims to assess the demand for integrative therapeutic approaches including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), body and mind practices, nutritional counseling, and psychological assistance among breast and gynecological cancer patients. Methods: From April to July 2017, a pseudo-anonymous questionnaire was distributed to cancer patients at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Technical University of Munich. Patterns of CAM use and demand for integrative health approaches were investigated by generating descriptive statistics. Results: 182 (90%) of 203 patients participated in the survey. 59% indicated the use of CAM practices in general, and 41% specifically in relation to their oncological disease. Most frequently used modalities were herbal supplements (32%), homeopathy (29%), vitamins (28%), and selenium (21%). Integrative health approaches that patients would have desired alongside conventional oncological treatment were CAM (54%), relaxation therapies (44%), and dietary counseling (43%). Conclusion: There is a considerable demand for integrative medicine among breast and gynecological cancer patients. Our results underline the need for the implementation of evidence-based integrative treatments in cancer care in order to meet the standards of modern oncology.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating the Demand for Integrative Medicine Practices in Breast and Gynecological Cancer Patients

Schuerger

Klein

Hapfelmeier³

et al. 2018

Breast Care

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…A careful history of the woman's use of herbs, supplements, and alternative medications must be taken. Referral to an expert in complementary medicine should be done if a woman chooses to pursue these options . See Appendix for complementary and alternative medicine resources.…”

Section: Long‐term Care Of the Breast Cancer Survivormentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Incorporation of multivitamins that support bone and cardiac health, as well as vitamin D supplements, are recommended . Bone loss is greater than normal for age in women after breast cancer treatment, so calcium 1200 mg and vitamin D 1000 mg daily are recommended for all women past age 50 . One study also found an association between vitamin D supplements and a decreased risk of cancer recurrence in women with estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer …”

Section: Long‐term Care Of the Breast Cancer Survivormentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Acupuncture can also be helpful for relief of hot flashes, arthralgias associated with aromatase inhibitors, and peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy . Osteopathic manipulation is effective in treatment of pain associated with reduced range of motion and chronic pain following breast cancer treatment …”

Section: Long‐term Care Of the Breast Cancer Survivormentioning

confidence: 99%

“…67,69 The goal is to actively include women in treatment decisions to improve their coping and sense of well-being. 67,69 However, care must be taken, as some complementary medicines are contraindicated for women with a history of breast cancer or could result in problematic drug interactions. For instance, omega 3 fatty acids can interact with certain types of chemotherapy, increasing drug resistance.…”

Section: Alternative and Complementary Therapiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Long‐Term Effects of Breast Cancer Surgery, Treatment, and Survivor Care

Lovelace

McDaniel

Golden

2019

J Midwife Womens Health

265

182

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Women are increasingly surviving breast cancer, but up to 90% experience unexpected long‐term sequelae as a result of treatment. Symptoms may include physical, functional, emotional, and psychosocial changes that can dramatically alter the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. Primary care clinicians, including midwives, are likely to care for these women and should be familiar with common symptoms, treatment, and best practices to avoid permanent dysfunction. A holistic approach to assessment, treatment, and referral as needed is the most effective strategy. Although women experience significant changes after breast cancer treatment, many fail to receive thorough assessment of their symptoms, education about interventions, and treatment options to optimize health promoting strategies. Disparities exist in treatment availability, options, and survivorship. Long‐term physical changes include anatomic changes, chronic pain, phantom breast pain, axillary web syndrome, and lymphedema. In addition, women may have decreased strength, aerobic capacity, mobility, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. Emotional and psychosocial changes include depression, anxiety, fatigue, concerns about body image, and issues with sexuality. Treatment should be multifactorial based on thorough assessment of symptoms and can include medication, exercise, counseling, physical and occupational therapy, and alternative and complementary therapies. Primary care and gynecologic clinicians are well positioned to provide thorough evaluation, education, treatment, and referral for the most common sequelae of mastectomy and breast cancer treatments.

show abstract

Demand for integrative medicine among women with breast and gynecological cancer: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Southern and Northern Germany

Grimm

Mathes

Woelber

et al. 2020

Arch Gynecol Obstet

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose The aim of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to analyze a cohort of breast (BC) and gynecological cancer (GC) patients regarding their interest in, perception of and demand for integrative therapeutic health approaches. Methods BC and GC patients were surveyed at their first integrative clinic visit using validated standardized questionnaires. Treatment goals and potential differences between the two groups were evaluated. Results 340 patients (272 BC, 68 GC) participated in the study. The overall interest in IM was 95.3% and correlated with older age, recent chemotherapy, and higher education. A total of 89.4% were using integrative methods at the time of enrolment, primarily exercise therapy (57.5%), and vitamin supplementation (51.4%). The major short-term goal of the BC patients was a side-effects reduction of conventional therapy (70.4%); the major long-term goal was the delay of a potential tumor progression (69.3%). In the GC group, major short-term and long-term goals were slowing tumor progression (73.1% and 79.1%) and prolonging survival (70.1% and 80.6%). GC patients were significantly more impaired by the side-effects of conventional treatment than BC patients [pain (p = 0.006), obstipation (< 0.005)]. Conclusion Our data demonstrate a high overall interest in and use of IM in BC and GC patients. This supports the need for specialized IM counseling and the implementation of integrative treatments into conventional oncological treatment regimes in both patient groups. Primary tumor site, cancer diagnosis, treatment phase, and side effects had a relevant impact on the demand for IM in our study population.

show abstract

Breast cancer patients’ satisfaction with individual therapy goals and treatment in a standardized integrative medicine consultancy service

Cited by 9 publications

References 20 publications

Evaluating the Demand for Integrative Medicine Practices in Breast and Gynecological Cancer Patients

Evaluating the Demand for Integrative Medicine Practices in Breast and Gynecological Cancer Patients

Long‐Term Effects of Breast Cancer Surgery, Treatment, and Survivor Care

Demand for integrative medicine among women with breast and gynecological cancer: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Southern and Northern Germany

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About