The use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with cancer: in Turkey

This research sought to assess the use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) amongst Turkish patients with cancer. The research sample included 94 adult patients with cancer who underwent chemotherapy at an outpatient clinic at the Adult Oncology Department of the University of Izmir between November 2006 and January 2007. Data was collected by questionnaire. Results suggest that the majority of Turkish oncology patients in the study had used herbal essences or herbal therapies. Socio-demographic factors associated with CAM use considered gender, age, education and economic status, health insurance, and whether CAM use had been recommended by friends, health care professionals or others. There appeared to be a link between CAM use, the diagnosis of cancer and where patients lived (p < 0.05). Patients reported that their primary sources of CAM information for use with their medical condition had come from friends and the media. Patients tended to use CAM therapies to reduce some of the physical symptoms of their condition and particular side effects arising from their medical treatment.