Demand for integrative medicine among women with breast and gynecological cancer: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Southern and Northern Germany

Donata Grimm, Sofia Mathes, Linn Woelber, Caroline Van Aken, Barbara Schmalfeldt, Volkmar Mueller, Marion Kiechle, Christine Brambs, Daniela Paepke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to analyze a cohort of breast (BC) and gynecological cancer (GC) patients regarding their interest in, perception of and demand for integrative therapeutic health approaches. Methods: BC and GC patients were surveyed at their first integrative clinic visit using validated standardized questionnaires. Treatment goals and potential differences between the two groups were evaluated. Results: 340 patients (272 BC, 68 GC) participated in the study. The overall interest in IM was 95.3% and correlated with older age, recent chemotherapy, and higher education. A total of 89.4% were using integrative methods at the time of enrolment, primarily exercise therapy (57.5%), and vitamin supplementation (51.4%). The major short-term goal of the BC patients was a side-effects reduction of conventional therapy (70.4%); the major long-term goal was the delay of a potential tumor progression (69.3%). In the GC group, major short-term and long-term goals were slowing tumor progression (73.1% and 79.1%) and prolonging survival (70.1% and 80.6%). GC patients were significantly more impaired by the side-effects of conventional treatment than BC patients [pain (p = 0.006), obstipation (< 0.005)]. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate a high overall interest in and use of IM in BC and GC patients. This supports the need for specialized IM counseling and the implementation of integrative treatments into conventional oncological treatment regimes in both patient groups. Primary tumor site, cancer diagnosis, treatment phase, and side effects had a relevant impact on the demand for IM in our study population.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1315-1330
Number of pages16
JournalArchives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Volume303
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2021

Keywords

  • Attitude of cancer patients
  • Breast cancer
  • Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
  • Gynecologic oncology
  • Integrative medicine (IM)
  • Supportive care in cancer
  • User behavior

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Demand for integrative medicine among women with breast and gynecological cancer: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Southern and Northern Germany'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this