The use of CAM products, practices, and practitioners by long-term endometrial cancer survivors in Australia.

backgroundThe use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) has been reported to be frequent and increasing in the general population and among cancer survivors. Very few studies have investigated the use of CAM among long-term endometrial cancer survivors. To address this gap in evidence, this qualitative study aimed to understand the use of CAM and factors motivating the use among long-term survivors of endometrial cancer.

methodsSemi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer 7-10 years previously, to understand their CAM use and its impact on their wellbeing. Thematic analysis was performed by two researchers to extract the most relevant quotes related to CAM products, practices, and practitioners.

resultsAll 17 women interviewed used some type of CAM practices, practitioners, or products, specifically 94% concentrated on their diet, 88% focused on their exercise, 59% used a CAM product, 53% visited a CAM practitioner, and 18% used a CAM psychological approach. The main motivators for CAM use included to reduce physical and psychological symptoms, and to stop or reduce medications. Women reported a lack of lifestyle advice from their traditional medical healthcare team which they therefore tried to obtain from other sources.

conclusionsOur findings suggest CAM practices, practitioners, or products form an important part of women's healthcare options and are commonly used by long-term endometrial cancer survivors. Our data can be of importance to health care professionals and hospitals, as it reflects an unfulfilled need among cancer survivors that does not currently appear to be met by their traditional healthcare team.