Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Adult Cancer Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Although there is limited information on efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), they are increasingly used by patients with cancer. We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of CAM use among a sample of Iranian cancer patients. In this cross-sectional study, conducted in an outpatient cancer clinic, patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies in different stages were asked to complete a questionnaire to measure CAM usage. A total of 131 patients with a median age of 58 years (18-86 years) participated in this study. CAM use was reported by 51.9% (n = 68) of the patients. Female gender and higher education level were significantly associated with the use of CAM (OR = 2.47, P value = .01 and OR = 2.55, P value = .02, respectively). Vitamins and minerals were the most frequently used CAM (n = 37, 54.4%). The main reasons for CAM use were to improve immune system and fight cancer (n = 48, 70.6%) followed by relieve side-effects from conventional cancer treatments (n = 26, 38.2%). Although three (4.4%) patients reported side-effects, most patients (n = 53, 77.9%) were satisfied with their CAM use. Among CAM users, 55 (80.9%) patients had reported their CAM use to physician. The CAM use is highly prevalent among adult cancer patients. Health care providers need to raise their awareness on probable disadvantages or benefits of CAMs and discuss these issues with patients.