The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies by Turkish women with gynecological cancer

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence and patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) utilization among Turkish women with gynecological cancer. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 156 patients treated between December 2002 and March 2005 at the Ministry of Health Aegean Obstetrics and Gynecology Teaching Hospital, Department of Gynecologic Oncology were evaluated. Data regarding CAM use were obtained from patients by means of face-to-face interviews. Results: Sixty women (38.5%) had used CAM having been diagnosed with cancer; herbal medicine was the most common. The age, income, educational level, cancer site, FIGO stage, previous CAM usage, and time since patients were diagnosed with cancer were associated with CAM usage. The most (40%) commonly cited reason for CAM use was to boost the immune system. Although only 8.3% of CAM users received CAM information from health care professionals or CAM practitioners, this group of patients was more likely to discuss their CAM use with physicians. Conclusion: Our data suggest that physicians should increase their knowledge of CAM therapies and ask cancer patients about previous CAM history.