The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Cancer Patients Treated with Radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use (2) the characteristics of CAM users, (3) patients' source of information about CAM, (4) patients' perceived attitude of their physician regarding CAM use, and (5) the association between CAM use and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). METHODS: This descriptive-cross section study was conducted between June 2007 and December 2007. Three-hundred and six patients were asked to complete a questionnaire about the use of CAM along with HADS. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients treated with radiotherapy was 35%. The patients with severe anxiety score were more likely to use CAM than the others. The younger age were found as predicting variables for CAM use. Majority of user patients wanted to add CAM to conventional therapies. CONCLUSION: Oncologist might be aware of the CAM issue and talk to their patients about the use of CAM. The documentation of CAM use in the medical history might be advised at the time of initial consultation in radiotherapy centers. Although CAM use is a method that patients want to use in addition to conventional treatments, it is not clear that these methods can be used together safely. It is thought that there is a need for prospective and innovative studies in modern oncology centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]