Complementary and alternative medicine application in cancer patients in Iran

Abstract

Purpose Nowadays, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by cancer patients all over the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CAM use in patients with cancer in Iran. Methods This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 320 cancer patients in Arak. For gathering information, a researcher-made questionnaire was used. This questionnaire was consisted of two parts: demographic and clinical information; and patient’s attitude toward using complementary and alternative medicine treatments and their effectiveness, as well as how much they used different kinds of these treatments. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Results Our findings showed that average age of participants was 55.11 ± 15.58. Most of them had leukemia (25.9%) and underwent chemotherapy (55%), and 141 (44.3%) of individuals were using CAM. Majority of patients (73.2%) were using CAM to improve physical conditions, 61.4% were using it simultaneously with conventional medical treatments, and 25% to reduce pain. Participants have reported visiting holy places, yoga, prayer therapy, and using medicinal plants and special diets, respectively. Conclusion Considering the high number of patients using CAM treatments, proper planning and implementation to educate professional members of health team, especially doctors and nurses about CAM treatments is essential. The most important CAM treatments to be educated are spiritual therapies, yoga, medicinal plants, and diet therapy. Moreover, support and education about using these kinds of treatment should be considered in the supportive care program for patients with cancer.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients in Iran: A systematic review

“…Two articles did not specify it at all ( Bordbar et al, 2016 , Jalili et al, 2020 ). On the other hand, Nejat et al's study reported an average of 11.47 ± 4.02 months ( Nejat et al, 2022 ). Two studies considered the time of CAM use since diagnosis or during treatment ( Asadi Sarvestani et al, 2022 , Bazrafshani et al, 2019 ).In addition, four studies were considered this time during one year ( Farahani et al, 2019 , Dehghan et al, 2019 , Dehghan et al, 2022 , Dehghan et al, 2022 ), and two studies during six months leading to the completion of the questionnaires ( Sajadian et al, 2005 , Sajadian et al, 2009 ).…”

Health benefits of yoga for cancer survivors: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

“… 8 , 10 Hence, cancer survivors are recommended to undertake yoga as a regular exercise for improving their health. 11 , 12 …”