Abstract
Purpose
As the global population ages, cancer has emerged as a leading cause of death among the elderly. Elderly cancer patients often turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to manage symptoms and enhance their quality of life. Despite its glowing use, the characteristics and determinants associated with CAM use remain unclear. This study aims to examine the prevalence, types, reasons, and influencing factors of CAM use among elderly cancer patients in Korea.
Design
This study employed a cross-sectional survey design.
Setting/participants
This study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of a general hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The participants were elderly cancer patients visiting the outpatient clinics for treatment. Data were collected through face-to-face using a structured questionnaire.
Results
60% of all participants reported using CAM. The most common CAM modalities were exercise, particularly fast walking (49.4%), followed by dietary interventions (42.9%). The primary reasons for using CAM were immune enhancement (61.6%), with the main source of information being family members or relatives (42.1%). Having a spouse, a diagnosis of prostate cancer, and having undergone surgical therapy were significantly associated with CAM use.
Conclusions
This study reveals the significant role of CAM in supportive care for elderly cancer patients in Korea, highlighting exercise, dietary interventions, and immune enhancement as key motivations. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive guidelines integrating CAM into conventional cancer care. Further research is crucial to understand the specific impacts on treatment outcomes, particularly among elderly male cancer patients.