Exploring the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Patients.
Ellen JonesLisa NissenAlexandra McCarthyKathryn J SteadmanCarol WindsorPublished in: Integrative cancer therapies (2019)
In Australia, it is estimated that around 17% to 87% of cancer patients have used one form of complementary therapy during their cancer treatment. There are numerous reasons and contributing factors for cancer patients to consider using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM information and products are readily available. However, the level of evidence to support the benefits of use in the cancer setting is limited, and the associated adverse effects and interactions with conventional medicine may not be fully studied. Besides, not all health professionals favor the concept of integrative health approaches, or have the confidence in dealing with CAM due to a lack of knowledge and standardization of practices. A thematic review of the literature was performed on the main contributing factors to cancer patients' use of CAM, as well as the current issues that may be encountered by the patients and health professionals.
Keyphrases
- healthcare
- end stage renal disease
- chronic kidney disease
- public health
- ejection fraction
- newly diagnosed
- primary care
- health information
- prognostic factors
- papillary thyroid
- mental health
- squamous cell carcinoma
- stem cells
- mesenchymal stem cells
- risk assessment
- climate change
- social media
- smoking cessation
- network analysis