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Complementary and alternative medicine in gynaecologic oncology
Deanna J McKay1, James R Bentley, Robert N Grimshaw
1Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|August 16, 2005
Summary
A high percentage of women with gynecologic cancer in Nova Scotia use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), often for spiritual reasons or to improve well-being. Physicians should discuss CAM use with these patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among cancer patients.
- Understanding CAM utilization patterns in gynecologic oncology is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancer in Nova Scotia.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with CAM use in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted over 3 months involving 163 gynecologic oncology patients.
- Data collected included demographics, medical information, and details of CAM therapies used.
- 152 patients completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 93.3%.
Main Results:
- Over three-quarters of patients (76.3%) reported using at least one form of CAM.
- Spirituality/prayer was the most common CAM therapy (52.6%).
- Higher religiosity was associated with increased CAM use (P = 0.001), while cervical cancer patients were less likely to use CAM compared to other gynecologic malignancies (P = 0.040).
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of gynecologic cancer patients in Halifax, Nova Scotia, utilize CAM alongside conventional treatments.
- Patients report diverse reasons for using CAM and perceive various benefits.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of high CAM usage rates and proactively inquire about patients' CAM practices and beliefs.