Complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with haematological malignancies in Europe.
This study reports upon a descriptive cross-sectional survey assessing the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with haematological cancers. Twelve European countries contributed data from patients with haematological cancers, as part of a larger study. Sixty-eight patients with haematological cancer participated. Among the participants, 26.5% used some form of CAM after the cancer diagnosis. The most common therapies used were homeopathy (38.9%), herbal medicine (22.2%) various psychic therapies, such as use of mediums, healers, rebirthing or past life regression therapy (22.2%). A particular profile of a CAM user was not evident in the sample. Moderate levels of satisfaction with CAM were reported. Patients commonly used CAM to increase the ability of their body to fight cancer and to improve physical and emotional well-being. Information about CAM was received mainly from friends or family. As CAM use in patients with haematological malignancies is common, clinicians should assist patients who want to use CAM to make an appropriate decision, and improve communication with them about CAM use in an open and non-judgemental dialogue.
Molassiotis
Alexander
A
School of Nursing, University of Manchester, Coupland III, Coupland Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. alex.molassiotis@man.ac.uk
Margulies
Anita
A
Fernandez-Ortega
Paz
P
Pud
Dorit
D
Panteli
Vassiliki
V
Bruyns
Ingrid
I
Scott
Julia A
JA
Gudmundsdottir
Gudbjorg
G
Browall
Maria
M
Madsen
Elin
E
Ozden
Gulten
G
Magri
Miriam
M
Selvekerova
Sarka
S
Platin
Nurgun
N
Kearney
Nora
N
Patiraki
Elisabeth
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D004522:Educational Status; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009790:Occupations; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires