Attitudes of oncology patients on traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM)

Introduction: Word Health Organisation defines traditional and complementary medicine as "the sum total of the knowledge, skill and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness". This study aims at determining the prevalence, socio-demographic features, the type and treatment of cancer, the attitudes towards the T&CM and the factors influencing these attitudes of the patients at Ankara City Hospital, Oncology Polyclinics. Materials and Methodology: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study aiming at the research on the use of, the rationale for and the influential factors leading to the utilisation of T&CM on cancer patients at Ankara City Hospital, Oncology Polyclinics between the time spans of November 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. Findings: The study has found that 42.3% of patients used T&CM prior to diagnosis, while 33.7% started using them after diagnosis. Male patients have sought the doctor's help more than female patients (p:0,02). As for socio-demographic findings, there was no significant statistical correlation between the use of T&CM and age, gender, occupation, educational background, monthly income, marital status, or family type. In terms of location, patients residing in city centres utilized T&CM more than those living in smaller regions such as counties or villages (p:0,03). Most patients stated that they received sufficient information from their doctors (77.7%). Among the post-diagnosis T&CM practices, phytotherapy was the most popularly applied (90.1%), followed by phlebotomy (5.9%), and leech therapy (4%). Amongst phytotherapy were the consumption of herbal teas (52%) and the use of Urtica urens (30%). Regarding whom the patients took the advice of the application of T&CM practices, the family made up the biggest group while medical personnel ranked last, at 5.5%. The majority of patients did not seek consultation from their oncology doctors (62.4%), with the rationale that they found it unnecessary (71.4%). A large part of the patients stated their reluctance to recommending T&CM practices to others (37.6%), with 37.6% believing that they have been abused by the practitioners of such methods. Discussion and Conclusions: This study finds that the prevalence of T&CM practices to be 33.7%. Public knowledge and awareness of these practices must be raised regarding that they are becoming more popular worldwide. The use of T&CM practices is not allowed in Family Health Centres, which make up the primary health care services. Family physicians who hold certificates must be given permission for these practices. This study is the first one conducted on this issue in Ankara City Hospital. Key words: Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM), oncology, family practice