Holistic Healing: CAM Use, Motivational Factors, and Impact Among Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Section: Original Articles
Published
Jan 1, 2025
Pages
342-353

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally, posing serious physical, emotional, and societal burdens. In recent years, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has emerged as a popular approach among breast cancer patients to manage symptoms, alleviate treatment side effects, and enhance overall well-being.Objective: This study aimed to explore the prevalence, motivations, and outcomes associated with CAM use among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Mosul, Iraq. It also assessed their knowledge and attitudes toward various CAM therapies.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 breast cancer patients from three major oncology hospitals in Mosul. Data were gathered through a validated structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic data, CAM usage, motivations, perceived outcomes, and attitudes. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were used to examine trends and associations.Results: All participants reported using at least one form of CAM in the past year. Herbal remedies and dietary supplements were the most commonly used modalities. Primary motivations included improving physical well-being (40%), belief in natural healing (30.7%), and alleviating side effects of conventional treatments (19.3%). While most participants exhibited a high level of CAM knowledge, misconceptions regarding its safety and compatibility with conventional medicine were noted. Positive outcomes included increased energy (65.3%) and pain reduction (23.3%). Significant associations were observed between CAM knowledge/attitudes and demographic variables such as age and education level.Conclusion: CAM is widely utilized by women with breast cancer in Mosul, often driven by holistic health motivations. Despite its perceived benefits, there is a need for structured educational interventions to correct misconceptions and promote safe, evidence-based integration of CAM into cancer care. These findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive, patient-centered approaches to oncology care in Iraq.

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