The complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are commonly encountered by cancer patients. In this study, the methods of CAM used by Turkish cancer patients were documented, and its frequency and the changes in the use of CAM over time were evaluated. Totally of 559 patients were enrolled from Kayseri Training and Research Hospital. Of CAM using patients, 11.8% used alternative medicine products, 60.1% used complementary medicine, and 28% received support from both. Patients with breast cancer were most frequently subgroup using CAM methods. Urtica dioica, nigella sativa and salvia officinalis were frequently used herbal products. Music, exercises and praying were the most common used methods of complementary medicine. Among Turkish cancer patients, the use of CAM methods have switched from alternative medicine which may interact with the cancer therapy, to the methods of complementary medicine not interact with the cancer therapy.
Key words: Cancer, Alternative medicine, Complementary medicine, CAM
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