title: The use of health functional foods in gastrointestinal cancer patients.
abstract: As an adjunct to cancer treatment, the use of health functional foods (HFFs) seems to be increasing. However, little is known for the use of HFFs among cancer patients in Korea. The aims of this study were to investigate the exposure rate of HFF use among gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients and to examine the relationship of socio-demographic and disease-related characteristics with the use of HFFs. A total of 126 patients diagnosed with GI cancer participated in the study. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire. Over a half of all the patients surveyed (n = 67; 53.2%) used HFFs. Patients who were younger, had higher income, or longer duration of disease showed a trend to use HFFs more frequently, even though the tendency was not statistically significant. The most commonly used HFF was vitamin complex (n = 20; 16%), followed by red ginseng (n = 15; 12%), and sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) (n = 11; 8.8%). About 26% of all responders expressed concerns for using HFFs. The primary concern was 'going against physician's recommendations' (36.8%). About 63% of respondents expressed a desire to consult with their physicians and follow their recommendations. More basic scientific data and educational materials regarding HFFs are required for both health-care professionals and cancer patients. A larger sample and size-controlled groups representing each cancer type will continue to be recruited for participation in this survey.
authors: Division of Gastroenterology, Yonsei Institute of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 245-905, Korea.
authors: Hwa Pyoung
authors: HP
authors: Kang
authors: Hosun
authors: H
authors: Lee
authors: Tak Geun
authors: TG
authors: Oh
authors: Kyong Joo
authors: KJ
authors: Lee
authors: Soo Jung
authors: SJ
authors: Park
authors: Moon Jae
authors: MJ
authors: Chung
authors: Seung Up
authors: SU
authors: Kim
authors: Hyuk
authors: H
authors: Lee
authors: Jun Chul
authors: JC
authors: Park
authors: Sung Pil
authors: SP
authors: Hong
authors: Jun Yong
authors: JY
authors: Park
authors: Jeong Youp
authors: JY
authors: Park
authors: Seungmin
authors: S
authors: Bang
authors: Do Young
authors: DY
authors: Kim
authors: Jae Hee
authors: JH
authors: Cheon
authors: Sang Hoon
authors: SH
authors: Ahn
authors: Tae Il
authors: TI
authors: Kim
authors: Seung Woo
authors: SW
authors: Park
authors: Si Young
authors: SY
authors: Song
keywords: Gastrointestinal cancer; Health functional food