The use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with cancer: a cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BackgroundA significant proportion of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) along with conventional therapies (CT), whereas a smaller proportion delay or defer CT in favor of CAM. Previous studies exploring CAM use among cancer patients in the Middle East region have shown discrepant results. This study investigates the prevalence and pattern of CAM use by Saudi cancer patients. It also discusses the possible benefits and harm related to CAM use by cancer patients, and it explores the beliefs patients hold and their transparency with health care providers regarding their CAM use.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in oncology wards and outpatient clinics by using face-to-face interviews with the participants.ResultsA total of 156 patients with a median age of 50 years (18–84) participated in the study. The prevalence of CAM use was 69.9%; the most prominent types of CAM were those of a religious nature, such as supplication (95.4%), Quran recitation (88.1%), consuming Zamzam water (84.4%), and water upon which the Quran has been read (63.3%). Drinking camel milk was reported by 24.1% of CAM users, whereas camel urine was consumed by 15.7%. A variety of reasons were given for CAM use: 75% reported that they were using CAM to treat cancer, enhance mood (18.3%),control pain (11.9%), enhance the immune system (11%),increase physical fitness (6.4%), and improve appetite (4.6%). Thirty percent of CAM users had discussed the issue with their doctors; only 7.7% had done so with their nurses.ConclusionsThe use of CAM, including camel products, is highly prevalent among cancer patients in the Middle East, but these patients do not necessarily divulge their CAM use to their treating physicians and nurses. Although CAM use can be beneficial, some can be very harmful, especially for cancer patients. Association is known between camel products and brucellosis and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Both can lead to tremendous morbidity in immune-compromised patients. Doctor–patient communication regarding CAM use is of paramount importance in cancer care.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-018-2150-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Is non-traditional therapy for multiple sclerosis overwhelming in Saudi Arabia

“…4,14 This correlation with religion and spiritual practices of CAM was already suggested in previous studies. 8,16 Also consistent with the literature, our study identified the main reason for CAM use was to improve overall health, and less often to treat specific symptoms or problems. 8,17 Treatment for specific problem/health issues, such as bladder symptoms, fatigue, balance issues, tremors, spasticity, stress and MS relapses were also less commonly mentioned reasons to use CAM.…”

“…8,16 Also consistent with the literature, our study identified the main reason for CAM use was to improve overall health, and less often to treat specific symptoms or problems. 8,17 Treatment for specific problem/health issues, such as bladder symptoms, fatigue, balance issues, tremors, spasticity, stress and MS relapses were also less commonly mentioned reasons to use CAM. Nineteen percent of the patients were using CAM to address multiple issues, as shown in Figure 1.…”

“…This center, being a reference center for CAM and related issues, has the objectives to monitor the CAM practices among different health care services and to regulate them using evidence-based support. 8 In a 2015 publication, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was ranked very high in scientific research related to CAM among all Arab countries. 9 This highlights the importance of CAM-related research in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to document how their different psychosocial, cultural and religious background can influence the use of CAM and to see the effects on their health beliefs and attitudes.…”

“…That is a reason for concern, due to potential drug interactions and also the adverse side effects from CAM use. 8,14,17 There is a common belief among CAM users that CAM is harmless, which may be a false perception. 17 Certain methods could have serious side effects if not supervised properly by trained staff, which is true for instance for the use of bee venom.…”

Failure to detect MERS‐CoV RNA in urine of naturally infected dromedary camels

“…Camel urine is believed to have therapeutic effects in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, certain infectious and cardiovascular diseases as well as in the treatment of hair and skin problems. Hence, fresh urine is consumed, used to wash body and hair, and is a component in ointments (Alkhamees, 2017;Gader, 2016) for example it has been described that Bedouins in the Middle East have a daily consumption of 100 ml camel urine while a study amongst 156 Saudi cancer patients showed that 15.7% drank camel urine (Abuelgasim, 2018;Al-Yousef et al, 2012).…”