Use of complementary and alternative medicine for reducing fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors: Does it work?

Abstract

ObjectiveFear of cancer recurrence is a significant psychosocial concern impacting the recovery and quality of life of cancer survivors. Many survivors turn to complementary and alternative medicine to manage drug side effects and alleviate anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the use of complementary and alternative medicine and the fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors. MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive correlational study involved 280 cancer survivors selected through convenience sampling from oncology centers and medical offices in Kerman. Research instruments included a questionnaire on complementary and alternative medicine usage and the fear of cancer recurrence inventory. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. ResultsThe study revealed that 78.2% of participants had used at least one form of complementary and alternative medicine in the past year. Among these, 71.8% used medicinal herbs, 19.6% used nutritional supplements, 7.5% practiced relaxation and meditation, 7.1% utilized dry cupping, and 5.7% tried wet cupping. The mean score for the fear of cancer recurrence was 80.72 ± 18.46, which was close to the midpoint of the inventory score (84). Notably, fear of cancer recurrence and its associated dimensions did not exhibit significant differences between users and non-users of complementary and alternative medicine. ConclusionsThe results indicate that a substantial number of cancer survivors have utilized at least one form of complementary and alternative medicine in the past year, with medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements being the most common choices. It is essential for cancer patients to be informed about the potential effects of various complementary and alternative medicine approaches. The study found a moderate level of fear of cancer recurrence, with no discernible difference between users and non-users of complementary and alternative medicine. As a result, health managers and planners should implement effective psychological interventions and strategies to mitigate the fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors.