The use of complementary and alternative (non-conventional) medicine in cancer patients in Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to define various methods of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used by cancer patients and their characteristics in Turkey. The sample consisted of 100 cancer patients who were monitored in the oncology outpatient and inpatient departments of two hospitals. Almost all participating patients were receiving conventional treatment, 36% of which were also using CAM methods. Female patients and individuals with lower educational background showed a tendency to use CAM methods more often. The most frequently used CAM method appeared to be herbal therapy, and the most commonly used herb was the stinging nettle. Most patients obtained information about CAM methods from their friends, the media and from CAM vendors. Patients' responses indicate that "the desire to do everything possible to fight the disease" and "the idea that it may be helpful, at least it's not harmful" were the two most common reasons for using CAM. Of the patients, 79.3% acknowledged a varying degree of benefit from the methods they use. The most frequently indicated benefit was "feeling better both physically and emotionally". Most findings in this study are similar to the results of other research conducted on the subject in Turkey.