Beliefs and experiences of breast cancer patients about the use of complementary therapies: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: Breast cancer patients prefer to use complementary therapies (CT) along with medical treatment to improve their health. However, patients don’t share detailed information regarding the use of CT with healthcare professionals. The aim of this study is to examine the beliefs and experiences of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy regarding the use of CT.Materials and Methods: Individual interviews were conducted with 11 breast cancer patients through a semi-structured interview form in June-July 2019. Six-phase thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.Results: Three main themes were identified in the study: Types of CT used, CT preferences, and positive experiences. In terms of CT types, patients use natural products, and mind and body practices. Patients prefer these methods to prevent the progression of the disease, not to use medical drugs, reduce the side effects of the treatment, or because they don’t believe in the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy. Physiological recovery and immunity enhancement are among the positive experiences after the use of CT. Patients continue to use these methods because they have positive experiences related to the use of CT.Conclusion: Breast cancer patients mostly prefer natural products followed by mind and body practices. Patients receive very little guidance from healthcare professionals regarding the use of CT and prefer to use social communication resources for such information. Advices given by oncology physicians and nurses to the patients in the light of the current evidence-based literature whether to continue using CT are crucial for the health of the patient.