Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among Breast Cancer Patients in a Public Hospital in Padang, Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: Number of CAM user among person suffer from cancer was high, especially breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of CAM in breast cancer patients in a public hospital in Padang, Indonesia. Methods: This study was descriptive study with cross-sectional design done for three months for all patients suffering from breast cancer in oncology unit in a public hospital in Padang, Indonesia. Breast cancer patients who are unable to communicate well and/or are unwilling to take part in the study are excluded. Data were collected by structured interview for patients who used CAM and open interview for patients who not use CAM. Results: Among 85 participants, 8 of them (9.41%) never use CAM, 22 of them (25.88%) had used CAM for some period and 55 of them (64.71%) had been using CAM. Herbal medicine was the most commonly used in CAM therapies, followed by supplement, spiritual healing, and Chinese medicine. The reason to use the CAM is their belief that the CAM has a positive impact to help them fight the cancer. Family and friends were the most common source of CAM information. Only 29.09% of participants had discussed CAM that they want to use with health care providers. Conclusion: It is necessary for health care providers to give information to patients about safety and efficacy of CAM therapy. Key words: Complementary and alternative medicine, Complementary and alternative therapy, Herbal therapy, Herbal medicine, Breast cancer, Hospital pharmacy, Indonesia.