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- Title
The use of complementary alternative medicines in advanced cancer patients followed at home.
- Authors
Mercadante, Sebastiano; Bellavia, Giuseppe; Cascio, Alessio Lo; Dabbene, Marcella; di Silvestre, Grazia; Casuccio, Alessandra; the Regional home care program in Sicily SAMOT; Orlando, Bruno; Favara, Tommaso; Scibilia, Carla; Gueci, Marina; Adamoli, Lucia; Mauceri, Marco; de Lisi, Alessandro; Mauro, Mario Lo; Pirajno, Giuseppe
- Abstract
Objectives: To assess the use of complementary alternative medicines (CAM) in advanced cancer patients followed at home. Methods: A consecutive sample of advanced cancer patients admitted to a home palliative care program was invited to participate in the study in a period of two months. Demographic characteristics, religious belief, education level, diagnosis, and socio-economic condition were recorded. Patients were asked about the use of CAM, considered to be a health-related treatment practiced outside the established health services. Information about CAM indications and those who prescribed or suggested CAM were also collected. Results: Two hundred and eighty-three advanced cancer patients followed at home were surveyed. Twelve patients (4.2%) were receiving CAM. The indication and type of CAM were variable, as well as the costs. Given the low number of patients taking CAM, no further analysis was performed. Conclusion: A limited number of advanced cancer patients followed at home were using CAM. Further multicenter studies with a larger sample should be performed to provide information about such therapies, also including eventual benefits.
- Subjects
CANCER patients; DEMOGRAPHIC characteristics; PALLIATIVE treatment; MEDICAL care; FAITH
- Publication
Supportive Care in Cancer, 2022, Vol 30, Issue 3, p2003
- ISSN
0941-4355
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00520-021-06580-4