Family members of cancer patients: Needs, quality of life and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

BACKGROUND: Family members of cancer patient's have multiple needs, many of which are not adequately met. Unmet needs may affect psychological distress and quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study was to assess needs and unmet needs, QOL, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the relationship between those variables in a large sample of family members of cancer patients in different phases of illness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of 332 family members invited to participate, 330 accepted and 223 (67%) completed a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Data was collected with the Family Inventory of Needs (FIN), Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: Of 20 needs assessed the mean (SD) number of important needs and unmet needs was 16.4 ± 4.3 and 6.2 ± 5.6, respectively. Twelve important needs were unmet in 40-56% of the sample. The mean number of unmet needs was significantly higher among women than men, other relatives than spouses, younger family members, those currently working and those of patients with metastatic cancer. QOL was similar to what has been reported for healthy populations and cancer caregivers in advanced stages. The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression was high (20-40%). Anxiety scores were higher among women than men and both anxiety and depression scores were highest during years 1-5 compared to the first year and more than five years post diagnosis. There was a positive relationship between number of important needs and QOL, and between needs met and QOL. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between anxiety and unmet needs. Finally, there was a significant relationship between QOL and symptoms of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: The results support the importance of screening needs and psychological distress among family members of cancer patients in all phases of illness.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in breast cancer patients in Europe.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has gained popularity among cancer patients in the past years. For this study, CAM includes any group of health care systems, practices or products that are not considered to be part of conventional medicine at present (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine). The present study assessed patterns of CAM use in breast cancer patients in Europe. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design, and data were collected through a 27-item questionnaire. The sample, which was part of a larger study, consisted of 282 breast cancer patients from 11 countries in Europe. Among participants, 44.7% used CAM since their diagnosis of cancer. The most common therapies used included herbal medicine (46.4%) and medicinal teas, relaxation techniques, spiritual therapies, homeopathy and vitamins/minerals. Younger patients with higher education and who had received combination treatments for their cancer in the past were more likely to use CAM. High levels of satisfaction were reported, with only 6.5% of the women reporting no benefits from the CAM used. Main sources of information about CAM were mostly friends/family and the media. Findings suggested that a high proportion of breast cancer patients used CAM, which may have implications for the clinical management of these patients.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in colorectal cancer patients in seven European countries.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to examine the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in a sample of colorectal cancer patients in Europe. METHODS: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey and data were collected through a 27-item self-reported questionnaire from seven European countries. RESULTS: As part of a larger study, 126 colorectal cancer patients participated in this survey. Among the participants, 32% used CAM after the diagnosis of cancer. Almost half the CAM therapies used were new therapies, never tried before the diagnosis. The most common CAM therapies used included herbal medicine (48.7%), homeopathy (20.5%), use of vitamins/minerals (17.9%), spiritual therapies (15.4%), medicinal teas (15.4%) and relaxation techniques (12.8%). A dramatic increase was observed in the use of CAM from usage levels before the cancer diagnosis. High levels of satisfaction with CAM were also reported. Patients used CAM more often to increase the body's ability to fight the cancer or to improve physical well-being. However, expectations did not always match with the benefits reported. CONCLUSIONS: As one-third of colorectal cancer patients use CAM, health professionals should be more aware of this approach to the patient's management. They should discuss the role of CAM therapies with their patients in a non-judgemental and open manner, and endeavour to provide accurate information in order to allow patients to make their own decision about CAM.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with haematological malignancies in Europe.

This study reports upon a descriptive cross-sectional survey assessing the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with haematological cancers. Twelve European countries contributed data from patients with haematological cancers, as part of a larger study. Sixty-eight patients with haematological cancer participated. Among the participants, 26.5% used some form of CAM after the cancer diagnosis. The most common therapies used were homeopathy (38.9%), herbal medicine (22.2%) various psychic therapies, such as use of mediums, healers, rebirthing or past life regression therapy (22.2%). A particular profile of a CAM user was not evident in the sample. Moderate levels of satisfaction with CAM were reported. Patients commonly used CAM to increase the ability of their body to fight cancer and to improve physical and emotional well-being. Information about CAM was received mainly from friends or family. As CAM use in patients with haematological malignancies is common, clinicians should assist patients who want to use CAM to make an appropriate decision, and improve communication with them about CAM use in an open and non-judgemental dialogue.