Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Turkish cutaneous melanoma patients: A prospective study from tertiary cancer center

Background Only a few studies assessed the prevalence and the predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use specifically in melanoma patients. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of CAM use in Turkish melanoma patients. Objective To assess the extent of CAM use and to compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between users and non-users in melanoma patients. Methods One hundred melanoma patients who were seen in outpatient clinics were included in a survey using questionnaire on CAM use. Results Twenty-seven patients used at least one type of CAM, the majority of which were herbs (73%). Turmeric (curcumin) was the most popular herb that was used alone or in conjunction with various other herbs (41%). Living in rural areas was significantly associated with CAM use (p = 0.02). The most common reason for CAM use was intent to cure of the disease (52%). The primary source of information about CAM was a close friend or a family contact (44%). CAMs were generally used together with conventional anticancer treatment modalities (64%) and they were ingested on a regular base (72%). CAMs could easily be acquired at regular herbal stores (88%). The patients experienced almost no adverse effects with CAM use; and most cases (71%) had confidence in CAM. About half of the patients consulted with their physicians about CAM use. Conclusion Minority, nearly one fourth of the melanoma cases used at least one type of CAM, the majority of which were herbs and turmeric (curcumin) was the most popular agent.