Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Breast Cancer Survivors

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among individuals with cancer, especially breast cancer survivors. This study was conducted among 394 breast cancer survivors in selected regions of Peninsular Malaysia to identify the pattern and factors associated with CAM use. About 51...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAsian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP Vol. 13; no. 8; pp. 4081 - 4086
Main Authors Saibul, Nurfaizah, Shariff, Zalilah Mohd, Rahmat, Asmah, Sulaiman, Suhaina, Yaw, Yong Heng
Format Journal Article
LanguageKorean
Published 2012
Subjects
ethnicity
Breast cancer survivors
Malaysia
years of education
CAM
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Summary:Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among individuals with cancer, especially breast cancer survivors. This study was conducted among 394 breast cancer survivors in selected regions of Peninsular Malaysia to identify the pattern and factors associated with CAM use. About 51% of the respondents reported CAM use as complementary treatment. Vitamins (47.2%), spiritual activities (33.2%) and other dietary supplements (30.7%) were the most commonly used CAM therapies. Common reasons for CAM use were to increase the body's ability to perform daily activities (70.9%), enhance immune function (58.3%) and improve emotional well-being (31.7%). Users obtained CAM information mainly from friends and family members (62.5%), physicians (25.0%) and mass media (13.9%). Ethnicity and years of education were significantly associated with CAM use. Although no adverse effects of CAM were reported, breast cancer survivors should discuss their CAM use with health professionals to prevent potential adverse effects of these therapies.
Bibliography:KISTI1.1003/JNL.JAKO201202950482619
ISSN:1513-7368
2476-762X