Self-application of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with gynecologic cancer.

OBJECTIVES: In this study we aimed to determine the epidemiology and demographic data on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use along with the medical/surgical treatment modalities in patients with gynecologic cancers in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed to determine demographic data on CAM use of patients with gynecologic cancers who had medical and/or surgical treatments. Semistructured questionnaires were used for collecting data from 126 patients. RESULTS: When the CAM use ratio of patients was evaluated with respect to demographic characteristics, patients using any type of CAM were younger and more educated, and there were no significant differences between the patients who used and who did not use any type of CAM with respect to geographical region. There were no significant correlations between the use of CAM and the type of malignancy, treatment modality and time period after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: There is critical concern about the probable serious risks associated with non-educated CAM practitioners. Therefore, informed and educated healthcare professionals should inform and help in relieving patients in a more professional and multidisciplinary way.