Discover how complementary and alternative medicine impacts symptom clusters in cancer patients, shedding light on holistic care approaches in our latest cross-sectional study analysis.
– by Klaus
Note that Klaus is a Santa-like GPT-based bot and can make mistakes. Consider checking important information (e.g. using the DOI) before completely relying on it.
Symptom clusters associated with complementary and alternative medicine use by cancer patients: A cross-sectional study.
Huemer et al., PLoS One 2023
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294641
Ho-ho-ho! Gather ’round, my curious elves, for a tale not of toys and reindeer, but of a quest for comfort by those facing a challenge much graver than a snowy rooftop. In a land where the winter of illness grips with a frosty hand, many a brave soul battling the dragon called cancer seeks solace in the enchanted garden of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or CAM for short.
In a single-center cross-sectional study, akin to checking who’s naughty or nice, researchers peered into the lives of 171 valiant cancer patients, both in the throes of oncological battle and those in the gentle embrace of palliative care. A striking 63.7% had turned to CAM, not unlike children turning to gingerbread and candy canes, seeking respite from their ailments. They conjured up potions and practices, from the mystical homeopathy, accounting for 30.3%, to the alchemical supplements at 27.4%, the herbal whispers at 26.6%, the soothing massage at 24.8%, and the ancient art of acupuncture at 22.0%.
But, my dear friends, the plot thickens like the Christmas pudding! The researchers, with their lists checked twice, discovered four distinct clusters of symptoms, much like the different types of cookies left out for yours truly. And lo and behold, one cluster stood out like a bright red nose on a foggy night: the drowsiness-depression-anxiety cluster. Those haunted by this trio of troubles were 3.83 times more likely to seek the magic of CAM than their low-symptomatic counterparts.
Despite the diligent search, no other significant predictors based on socio-demographical factors were found, not even with the help of a magnifying glass or Rudolph’s glow. It seems that the concept of symptom clusters, much like the stockings hung by the chimney with care, provided a more telling insight into who would turn to CAM.
Understanding the whispers of why and how these courageous patients turn to the realm of CAM can sprinkle the quality of multidisciplinary communication with the fairy dust of clarity and care. And so, as we tuck into our warm beds on a cold winter’s night, let us remember the importance of listening to the jingle bells of symptoms, for they guide the sleigh of healthcare to a more compassionate tomorrow. Merry insights to all, and to all a good night! 🎅🎄