Factors influencing the use of complementary and alternative medicine among cancer patients
Räsänen, Charlotte (2010)
Räsänen, Charlotte
Turun ammattikorkeakoulu
2010
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201104295256
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201104295256
Tiivistelmä
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the West is increasing despite resistance from the conventional medical profession. This
bachelor thesis focuses exclusively on the use of CAM among cancer patients in the
West (Europe and North America). It examines the factors that influence the use of CAM and the reasons why CAM is chosen. A systematic literature review was used to obtain the results of this thesis.
Six articles were included in this literature review. These articles yielded three main factors that influenced the use of CAM among cancer patients. These factors were
gender, age and education. Female cancer patients were more likely to use CAM. CAM users were also of a significantly lower age than non-CAM users and had a higher level of education. Reasons cited for the use of CAM were a feeling of
helplessness, to counter the side-effects of cancer treatments, holistic care and to fight cancer.
The outcome of this systematic literature review shows that doctors should be aware of the growing use of CAM and as such, be able to disperse impartial information regarding its use. Some CAM therapies can also be integrated into conventional
cancer care at no additional cost. The process of care in conventional cancer treatment should be examined in order to treat the patient in a holistic care.
bachelor thesis focuses exclusively on the use of CAM among cancer patients in the
West (Europe and North America). It examines the factors that influence the use of CAM and the reasons why CAM is chosen. A systematic literature review was used to obtain the results of this thesis.
Six articles were included in this literature review. These articles yielded three main factors that influenced the use of CAM among cancer patients. These factors were
gender, age and education. Female cancer patients were more likely to use CAM. CAM users were also of a significantly lower age than non-CAM users and had a higher level of education. Reasons cited for the use of CAM were a feeling of
helplessness, to counter the side-effects of cancer treatments, holistic care and to fight cancer.
The outcome of this systematic literature review shows that doctors should be aware of the growing use of CAM and as such, be able to disperse impartial information regarding its use. Some CAM therapies can also be integrated into conventional
cancer care at no additional cost. The process of care in conventional cancer treatment should be examined in order to treat the patient in a holistic care.