Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Cancer Patients at the End of Life: Korean National Study
- Authors
- Choi, Jin Young; Chang, Yoon Jung; Hong, Young Seon; Heo, Dae Seog; Kim, Samyong; Lee, Jung Lim; Choi, Jong Soo; Kang, Ki Mun; Kim, Si-Young; Jeong, Hyun Sik; Lee, Chang Geol; Choi, Youn Seon; Lim, Ho-Yeong; Yun, Young Ho
- Issue Date
- Apr-2012
- Publisher
- Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention
- Keywords
- Complementary and alternative medicine; end of life; Korean cancer patients
- Citation
- Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, v.13, no.4, pp 1419 - 1424
- Pages
- 6
- Indexed
- SCIE
SCOPUS
- Journal Title
- Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
- Volume
- 13
- Number
- 4
- Start Page
- 1419
- End Page
- 1424
- URI
- https://scholarworks.korea.ac.kr/kumedicine/handle/2020.sw.kumedicine/12875
- DOI
- 10.7314/APJCP.2012.13.4.1419
- ISSN
- 1513-7368
- Abstract
- Objectives: To investigate in depth the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) by cancer patients at the end-of-life (EOL) and how they communicate with physicians about them.
Design and location: In 17 hospitals in Korea between January and December 2004 we identified 4,042 families of cancer patients.
Results: The prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients at the EOL was 37.0%,and 93.1% had used pharmacologic types of agents. The most frequent motive for CAM use was the recommendation of friends or a close relative (53.4%) or a physician (1.6%). Only 42.5% discussed CAM use with their physicians. Satisfaction with CAMS was recalled for 37.1% . The most common reason given for that satisfaction was improvement of emotional or physical well-being, while ineffectiveness was the most common reason given for dissatisfaction. The average cost of CAM during the last month of life was $US 900. CAM use was associated with longer disease periods, primary cancers other than liver, biliary,and pancreatic, and need of support from physicians or religion.
Conclusions: CAM use among cancer patients at the EOL was common, not discussed with physicians, and associated with expectation of cure. Expectations were generally unmet while the treatments were a financial burden. Further studies evaluating the effects of CAM at the EOL and factors that enhance communication with the physician are needed.
- Files in This Item
-
Go to Link
- Appears in
Collections - 2. Clinical Science > Department of Family Medicine > 1. Journal Articles
Items in ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.