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Investigation of traditional and complementary medicine use among oncology patients: a cross-sectional analysis

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 3, 424 - 429, 30.05.2025

Salih Karatlı , Safiye Kübra Çetindağ Karatlı , Engin Eren Kavak

https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1646342

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM), sociodemographic characteristics, methods used, attitudes towards this medicine and the main factors affecting its use in oncology patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between June 1 and July 31, 2024, involving patients receiving treatment at the Medical Oncology Service of Ankara Etlik City Hospital who agreed to participate in the study. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: While 40.8% of the 179 patients used T&CM before cancer diagnosis, this rate decreased to 28.4% afterwards. While there was a significant correlation between education level and T&CM use (p=0.03), no correlation was found between gender and age. Phytotherapy was the most frequently used method (66.7%). T&CM was mostly used for cure (66.7%), but only 3.9% of patients reported complete benefit. It was observed that 76.5% of the patients did not consult their physician or ask for information about T&CM. The most common reason for this is lack of patient knowledge. Only 11.7% of patients reported receiving adequate information about T&CM from their physicians.
Conclusion: It was found that patients did not have enough information about T&CM and doctors did not provide enough information on the subject. Accurate information for patients can be provided by increasing the awareness of doctors about T&CM methods. In this way, patient-doctor communication can be strengthened, patients’ reservations can be reduced and a more open exchange of information can be provided.

Keywords

Traditional and complementary medicine phytotherapy oncology

References

  • Ijaz N, Hunter J, Grant S, Templeman K. Protocol for a scoping review of traditional medicine research methods, methodologies, frameworks and strategies. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1409392. doi:10.3389/fmed.2024.1409392
  • Yurt NŞ, Türe E, Çubukçu M. Nivik otu zehirlenmesi: arum maculatum-bir olgu sunumu. Ankara Med J. 2019;19(4):796-799. doi:10.17098/amj. 652024
  • Keene MR, Heslop IM, Sabesan SS, Glass BD. Complementary and alternative medicine use in cancer: a systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019;35:33-47. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.01.004
  • Kobya Bulut H, Bektaş M. Kemoterapi alan çocuklarda tamamlayıcı tedavi kullanımı. Turk Klin J Biostat. 2019;11(3):106-117. doi:10.5336/jtracom.2019-70968
  • Mwaka AD, Mangi SP, Okuku FM. Use of traditional and complementary medicines by cancer patients at a national cancer referral facility in a low-income country. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2019;28(6):e13158. doi:10. 1111/ecc.13158
  • Lee RT, Barbo A, Lopez G, et al. National survey of US oncologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns regarding herb and supplement use by patients with cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(36):4095-4101. doi:10.1200/JCO.2014.55.8676
  • Hill J, Mills C, Li Q, Smith JS. Prevalence of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine use by cancer patients in low income and lower-middle income countries. Glob Public Health. 2019;14(3):418-430. doi:10.1080/17441692.2018.1534254
  • Molassiotis A, Ozden G, Platin N, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with head and neck cancers in Europe. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2006;15(1):19-24. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2354.2005. 00615.x
  • Ulusoy ZB, Keskin A. Onkoloji hastalarının geleneksel ve tamamlayıcı tıp (GETAT) yöntemleri hakkındaki tutumları. Ankara Med J. 2021; 21(3):374-385. doi:10.5505/amj.2021.68094
  • Choi S, Karki Kunwor S, Im H, et al. Traditional and complementary medicine use among cancer patients in asian countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancers (Basel). 2024;16(18):3130. doi:10. 3390/cancers16183130
  • Berretta M, Della Pepa C, Tralongo P, et al. Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer patients: an Italian multicenter survey. Oncotarget. 2017;8(15):24401-24414. doi:10.18632/oncotarget. 14224
  • Molassiotis A, Fernández-Ortega P, Pud D, et al. Use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients: a European survey. Ann Oncol. 2005;16(4):655-663. doi:10.1093/annonc/mdi110
  • Özkaya H, Karakaya Y, Aslaner H, et al. Investigation of the status of using traditional and complementary medicine practices in patients hospitalized in a palliative care center. Konuralp Med J. 2020;12(1):124-130.
  • Nejat N, Rahbarian A, Mehrabi F, Rafiei F. Complementary and alternative medicine application in cancer patients in Iran. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2023;149(6):2271-2277. doi:10.1007/s00432-022-04317-2
  • Kanimozhi T, Hindu K, Maheshvari Y, et al. Herbal supplement usage among cancer patients: a questionnaire-based survey. J Cancer Res Ther. 2021;17(1):136-141. doi:10.4103/jcrt.JCRT_612_18
  • İnan H, Kuzu Ş, Yener H. Investigation of the use of traditional and complementary medicine in patients with head and neck cancer. J Tradit Complement Med. 2021;4(1):10-16. doi:10.5336/jtracom.2020-76209
  • Shakeel M, Newton JR, Bruce J, Ah-See KW. Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients attending a head and neck oncology clinic. J Laryngol Otol. 2008;122(12):1360-1364. doi:10.1017/S0022215 108001904
  • Farrag A, Alqudimat MR, Hassan FA. Family strategies for managing childhood cancer: using traditional and complementary medicine in Southern Egypt. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2024;71(12):e31326. doi:10.1002/pbc.31326
  • Ghaedi F, Dehghan M, Salari M, Sheikhrabori A. Complementary and alternative medicines: Usage and its determinant factors among outpatients in Southeast of Iran. J Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2017;22(2):210-215. doi:10.1177/2156587215621462
  • Price AJ, Ndom P, Atenguena E, Mambou Nouemssi JP, Ryder RW. Cancer care challenges in developing countries. Cancer. 2012;118(14): 3627-3635. doi:10.1002/cncr.26681
  • Horneber M, Bueschel G, Dennert G, Less D, Ritter E, Zwahlen M. How many cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Integr Cancer Ther. 2012;11(3):187-203. doi:10.1177/1534735411423920
  • Tasaki K, Maskarinec G, Shumay DM, Tatsumura Y, Kakai H. Communication between physicians and cancer patients about complementary and alternative medicine: exploring patients’ perspectives. Psychooncology. 2002;11(3):212-220. doi:10.1002/pon.552
  • Kelak JA, Cheah WL, Safii R. Patient’s decision to disclose the use of traditional and complementary medicine to medical doctor: a descriptive phenomenology study. Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2018;2018:4735234. doi:10.1155/2018/4735234
  • Davis EL, Oh B, Butow PN, Mullan BA, Clarke S. Cancer patient disclosure and patient-doctor communication of complementary and alternative medicine use: a systematic review. Oncologist. 2012;17(11): 1475-1481. doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2012-0223
  • Amin M, Glynn F, Rowley S, et al. Complementary medicine use in patients with head and neck cancer in Ireland. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2010;267(8):1291-1297. doi:10.1007/s00405-010-1223-1
  • Pandey L, Pasricha R, Joseph D, et al. Use of complementary and alternative medicine among patients with cancer in a sub-Himalayan state in India: an exploratory study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021;12(1): 126-130. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2021.01.001
  • Christina J, Abigail W, De Bellis A, Harrington A. Women’s lived experiences in the use of complementary and alternative medicine for breast cancer management: a phenomenological study. J Holist Nurs. 2024;42(2):89-98. doi:10.1177/08980101241277680
  • Sari NM, Devansyah S, Modjaningrat I, et al. Type of cancer and complementary and alternative medicine are determinant factors for the patient delay experienced by children with cancer: a study in West Java, Indonesia. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2023;70(4):e30192. doi:10.1002/pbc.30192
  • Stöcker A, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, Hinz A, Ernst J. Utilization of complementary and alternative medicine by women with breast cancer or gynecological cancer. PLoS One. 2023;18(5):e0285718. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0285718
  • Cramer H, Lauche R, Klose P, Lange S, Langhorst J, Dobos GJ. Yoga for improving health-related quality of life, mental health and cancer-related symptoms in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;1(1):CD010802. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010802. pub2

Onkoloji hastalarında geleneksel ve tamamlayıcı tıp kullanımının araştırılması: kesitsel bir analiz

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 3, 424 - 429, 30.05.2025

Salih Karatlı , Safiye Kübra Çetindağ Karatlı , Engin Eren Kavak

https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1646342

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı onkoloji hastalarında geleneksel ve tamamlayıcı tıp (T&CM) kullanım yaygınlığını, sosyodemografik özellikleri, kullanılan yöntemleri, bu tıbba yönelik tutumları ve kullanımı etkileyen temel faktörleri belirlemektir.
Yöntemler: Bu kesitsel çalışma 1 Haziran - 31 Temmuz 2024 tarihleri arasında XXX Hastanesi Tıbbi Onkoloji Servisinde tedavi gören ve çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden hastalarla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veri toplama işlemi bir anket aracılığıyla gerçekleştirilmiş ve istatistiksel analiz, anlamlılık düzeyi p<0.05 olarak belirlenen ki-kare testi kullanılarak yapılmıştır.
Bulgular: 179 hastanın %40,8'i kanser teşhisi konmadan önce T&CM kullanırken, bu oran daha sonra %28,4'e düşmüştür. Eğitim düzeyi ile T&CM kullanımı arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulunurken (p=0.03), cinsiyet ve yaş arasında bir ilişki bulunmadı. Fitoterapi en sık kullanılan yöntemdi (%66,7). T&CM çoğunlukla kür sağlamak amaçlı (%66,7) uygulanmaktaydı, ancak hastaların yalnızca %3,9'u tam fayda sağladığını bildirdi. Hastaların %76,5'inin T&CM hakkında doktorlarına danışmadıkları veya doktorlarından bilgi talep etmedikleri görülmüştür. Bunun en yaygın nedeni hastaların bilgi eksikliğidir. Doktorlarından T&CM hakkında yeterli bilgi aldığını bildiren hastaların oranı yalnızca %11,7'dir.
Sonuç: Hastaların T&CM hakkında yeterli bilgiye sahip olmadığı ve hekimlerin de bu konuda yeterli bilgi sunmadığı görülmüştür. Hastaların doğru bilgilendirilmesi, hekimlerin T&CM yöntemleri konusundaki farkındalığının artırılmasıyla sağlanabilir. Böylece hasta-hekim iletişimi güçlenerek hastaların çekinceleri azaltılabilir ve daha açık bir bilgi paylaşımı sağlanabilir.

Keywords

Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp Fitoterapi Onkoloji

References

  • Ijaz N, Hunter J, Grant S, Templeman K. Protocol for a scoping review of traditional medicine research methods, methodologies, frameworks and strategies. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1409392. doi:10.3389/fmed.2024.1409392
  • Yurt NŞ, Türe E, Çubukçu M. Nivik otu zehirlenmesi: arum maculatum-bir olgu sunumu. Ankara Med J. 2019;19(4):796-799. doi:10.17098/amj. 652024
  • Keene MR, Heslop IM, Sabesan SS, Glass BD. Complementary and alternative medicine use in cancer: a systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019;35:33-47. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.01.004
  • Kobya Bulut H, Bektaş M. Kemoterapi alan çocuklarda tamamlayıcı tedavi kullanımı. Turk Klin J Biostat. 2019;11(3):106-117. doi:10.5336/jtracom.2019-70968
  • Mwaka AD, Mangi SP, Okuku FM. Use of traditional and complementary medicines by cancer patients at a national cancer referral facility in a low-income country. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2019;28(6):e13158. doi:10. 1111/ecc.13158
  • Lee RT, Barbo A, Lopez G, et al. National survey of US oncologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns regarding herb and supplement use by patients with cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(36):4095-4101. doi:10.1200/JCO.2014.55.8676
  • Hill J, Mills C, Li Q, Smith JS. Prevalence of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine use by cancer patients in low income and lower-middle income countries. Glob Public Health. 2019;14(3):418-430. doi:10.1080/17441692.2018.1534254
  • Molassiotis A, Ozden G, Platin N, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with head and neck cancers in Europe. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2006;15(1):19-24. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2354.2005. 00615.x
  • Ulusoy ZB, Keskin A. Onkoloji hastalarının geleneksel ve tamamlayıcı tıp (GETAT) yöntemleri hakkındaki tutumları. Ankara Med J. 2021; 21(3):374-385. doi:10.5505/amj.2021.68094
  • Choi S, Karki Kunwor S, Im H, et al. Traditional and complementary medicine use among cancer patients in asian countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancers (Basel). 2024;16(18):3130. doi:10. 3390/cancers16183130
  • Berretta M, Della Pepa C, Tralongo P, et al. Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer patients: an Italian multicenter survey. Oncotarget. 2017;8(15):24401-24414. doi:10.18632/oncotarget. 14224
  • Molassiotis A, Fernández-Ortega P, Pud D, et al. Use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients: a European survey. Ann Oncol. 2005;16(4):655-663. doi:10.1093/annonc/mdi110
  • Özkaya H, Karakaya Y, Aslaner H, et al. Investigation of the status of using traditional and complementary medicine practices in patients hospitalized in a palliative care center. Konuralp Med J. 2020;12(1):124-130.
  • Nejat N, Rahbarian A, Mehrabi F, Rafiei F. Complementary and alternative medicine application in cancer patients in Iran. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2023;149(6):2271-2277. doi:10.1007/s00432-022-04317-2
  • Kanimozhi T, Hindu K, Maheshvari Y, et al. Herbal supplement usage among cancer patients: a questionnaire-based survey. J Cancer Res Ther. 2021;17(1):136-141. doi:10.4103/jcrt.JCRT_612_18
  • İnan H, Kuzu Ş, Yener H. Investigation of the use of traditional and complementary medicine in patients with head and neck cancer. J Tradit Complement Med. 2021;4(1):10-16. doi:10.5336/jtracom.2020-76209
  • Shakeel M, Newton JR, Bruce J, Ah-See KW. Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients attending a head and neck oncology clinic. J Laryngol Otol. 2008;122(12):1360-1364. doi:10.1017/S0022215 108001904
  • Farrag A, Alqudimat MR, Hassan FA. Family strategies for managing childhood cancer: using traditional and complementary medicine in Southern Egypt. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2024;71(12):e31326. doi:10.1002/pbc.31326
  • Ghaedi F, Dehghan M, Salari M, Sheikhrabori A. Complementary and alternative medicines: Usage and its determinant factors among outpatients in Southeast of Iran. J Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2017;22(2):210-215. doi:10.1177/2156587215621462
  • Price AJ, Ndom P, Atenguena E, Mambou Nouemssi JP, Ryder RW. Cancer care challenges in developing countries. Cancer. 2012;118(14): 3627-3635. doi:10.1002/cncr.26681
  • Horneber M, Bueschel G, Dennert G, Less D, Ritter E, Zwahlen M. How many cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Integr Cancer Ther. 2012;11(3):187-203. doi:10.1177/1534735411423920
  • Tasaki K, Maskarinec G, Shumay DM, Tatsumura Y, Kakai H. Communication between physicians and cancer patients about complementary and alternative medicine: exploring patients’ perspectives. Psychooncology. 2002;11(3):212-220. doi:10.1002/pon.552
  • Kelak JA, Cheah WL, Safii R. Patient’s decision to disclose the use of traditional and complementary medicine to medical doctor: a descriptive phenomenology study. Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2018;2018:4735234. doi:10.1155/2018/4735234
  • Davis EL, Oh B, Butow PN, Mullan BA, Clarke S. Cancer patient disclosure and patient-doctor communication of complementary and alternative medicine use: a systematic review. Oncologist. 2012;17(11): 1475-1481. doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2012-0223
  • Amin M, Glynn F, Rowley S, et al. Complementary medicine use in patients with head and neck cancer in Ireland. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2010;267(8):1291-1297. doi:10.1007/s00405-010-1223-1
  • Pandey L, Pasricha R, Joseph D, et al. Use of complementary and alternative medicine among patients with cancer in a sub-Himalayan state in India: an exploratory study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021;12(1): 126-130. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2021.01.001
  • Christina J, Abigail W, De Bellis A, Harrington A. Women’s lived experiences in the use of complementary and alternative medicine for breast cancer management: a phenomenological study. J Holist Nurs. 2024;42(2):89-98. doi:10.1177/08980101241277680
  • Sari NM, Devansyah S, Modjaningrat I, et al. Type of cancer and complementary and alternative medicine are determinant factors for the patient delay experienced by children with cancer: a study in West Java, Indonesia. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2023;70(4):e30192. doi:10.1002/pbc.30192
  • Stöcker A, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, Hinz A, Ernst J. Utilization of complementary and alternative medicine by women with breast cancer or gynecological cancer. PLoS One. 2023;18(5):e0285718. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0285718
  • Cramer H, Lauche R, Klose P, Lange S, Langhorst J, Dobos GJ. Yoga for improving health-related quality of life, mental health and cancer-related symptoms in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;1(1):CD010802. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010802. pub2
There are 30 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Clinical Oncology
Journal Section Original Article
Authors

Salih Karatlı 0000-0002-4237-1606

Safiye Kübra Çetindağ Karatlı 0000-0001-7439-9622

Engin Eren Kavak 0000-0003-3247-5361

Publication Date May 30, 2025
Submission Date February 24, 2025
Acceptance Date April 18, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 8 Issue: 3

Cite

AMA Karatlı S, Çetindağ Karatlı SK, Kavak EE. Investigation of traditional and complementary medicine use among oncology patients: a cross-sectional analysis. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. May 2025;8(3):424-429. doi:10.32322/jhsm.1646342
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