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The use of complementary alternative medicines in advanced cancer patients followed at home
Sebastiano Mercadante1,2, Giuseppe Bellavia3, Alessio Lo Cascio4
1Main Regional Center for Cancer Pain and Supportive/Palliative Care, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Palermo, Italy. terapiadeldolore@lamaddalenanet.it.
Objectives:
To assess the use of complementary alternative medicines (CAM) in advanced cancer patients followed at home.
Methods:
A consecutive sample of advanced cancer patients admitted to a home palliative care program was invited to participate in the study in a period of two months. Demographic characteristics, religious belief, education level, diagnosis, and socio-economic condition were recorded. Patients were asked about the use of CAM, considered to be a health-related treatment practiced outside the established health services. Information about CAM indications and those who prescribed or suggested CAM were also collected.
Results:
Two hundred and eighty-three advanced cancer patients followed at home were surveyed. Twelve patients (4.2%) were receiving CAM. The indication and type of CAM were variable, as well as the costs. Given the low number of patients taking CAM, no further analysis was performed.
Conclusion:
A limited number of advanced cancer patients followed at home were using CAM. Further multicenter studies with a larger sample should be performed to provide information about such therapies, also including eventual benefits.
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