Use of complementary and alternative medicine among breast cancer survivors in Taiwan

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate complementary and alternative medicine use among breast cancer survivors in Taiwan.

Materials and methods: This study employed a descriptive research design approach to detail the CAM use among the target population. Convenience sampling was used along with a structured questionnaire.

Results: A total of 230 breast cancer survivors completed the use CAM scale. Prayer, reading books, taking antioxidants, eating various grains, and maintaining a vegetarian diet proved to be the five most frequently used CAM practices among patients in our study. More than 50.0% of the participants reported praying occasionally. More than 40.0% of participants read books occasionally, and 38.7% stated that they occasionally take antioxidants.

Conclusions: These results provide more insight into CAM use for nurses who care for breast cancer patients.