Complementary and alternative medicine use among elderly cancer patients: a cross-sectional study in South Korea

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among elderly male cancer patients; however, evidence is limited on its prevalence, characteristics, and determinants in Korea. This study examined the prevalence, patterns, and reasons for CAM use, and identified factors associated with its use among elderly male cancer survivors.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 420 cancer patients aged ≥65 years attending outpatient clinics of the Veterans Hospital System, a 1,000-bed secondary hospital in Seoul, Korea. Data on CAM utilization, modalities, reasons for use, and information sources were collected using structured questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with CAM use.

Among participants, 60.0% reported using CAM. The most common modalities were exercise (brisk walking, 49.4%) and dietary interventions (42.9%). The primary reason for use was immune enhancement (61.6%), and family members or relatives were the main information source (42.1%). Multivariate analysis revealed that being married (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.40-4.45), having prostate cancer (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.36-3.35), and undergoing surgery (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.07-2.45) were significantly associated with CAM use.

CAM use is highly prevalent among elderly male Korean cancer patients, particularly among married men, prostate cancer patients, and those who have undergone surgery. Oncologists should incorporate discussions about CAM into survivorship care, and further studies are warranted to assess the impact of CAM modalities on quality of life and clinical outcomes.