The Perspective of Cancer Patients on the Use of Complementary Medicine

Abstract

Background: Cancer is considered one of the most important health issues in Iran. Regarding that Iranians have a positive attitude towards complementary medicine; the demand for this type of treatments is increasing. However, those undergoing this treatment often have limited awareness on it. Objectives: This study aims at determining the perspective of cancer patients on using complementary medicine. Methods: In this descriptive study, 176 cancer patients from all over the country were selected by purposeful sampling, according to the inclusion criteria and, then, completed demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Questionnaire on Integrating Complementary Medicine in Oncology Treatment. The data were analyzed, using SPSS software version 20. Results: More than half of the patients used complementary medicine and according to their viewpoints, using herbal medicine was considered their first priority. At the same time, 46% of the research samples consulted with care providers on how to use complementary medicine for cancer treatment. The most frequent referrals to specialists were referrals to complementary medicine experts. The researchers expected complementary medicine to improve their symptoms of anxiety, fatigue, and depression. Conclusions: The use of complementary medicine as a complementary approach in cancer patients can have an impact on the improvement of symptoms, which ultimately enhances the quality of life in patients. Due to the concerns about applying these approaches, it is necessary to train care providers in order to consider the perspective of cancer patients in this regard and to obtain their past medical history.

Quality of life in terminally ill cancer patients: what is the role of using complementary and alternative medicines?

“…Numerous studies demonstrate that CAM is effective in relieving cancer-related complications and treating the body, which may result in a high number of patients seeking complementary and alternative medicine [ 17 ]. It has been shown that when cancer patients use CAM, their symptoms get better, which makes their quality of life better [ 18 ].…”

“…During crises such as the outbreak of COVID-19, some types of CAM, especially dietary supplements, herbs, and prayers, are commonly used to prevent COVID-19 and reduce the anxiety caused by the epidemic [ 25 ]. Due to the good attitude of the Iranian people toward CAM, the demand for this type of treatment is increasing [ 18 ]. Oncologists and cancer patients frequently discuss and employ complementary and alternative medicines [ 27 ].…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine application in cancer patients in Iran

“…While in a study by Shirinabadi et al in Iran, patients mostly used CAM to reduce anxiety and depression, and then to reduce pain (27). In this study incidence of CAM side effects in this was 5.9%, in other studies however, this item was reported to be 5.6-18.6% (7,23).…”

“…Our ndings partly con rm the results of studies in Korea (28) and Sweden ( 23) which indicated that family and relatives are the main source of information about CAM. However, other studies reported media like the internet, television, radio and newspapers as the major source of informing about CAM (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30).…”

Complementary and alternative medicine application in cancer patients in Iran

“…The results of a study by Al-Naggar is consistent with our finding (26). While in a study by Shirinabadi et al in Iran, patients mostly used CAM to reduce anxiety and depression, and then to reduce pain (Shirinabadi Farahani et al 2019 ).…”