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    Korean J Urol. 2006 Jun;47(6):620-624. Korean.
    Published online Jun 30, 2006.
    https://doi.org/10.4111/kju.2006.47.6.620
    Copyright © 2006 The Korean Urological Association
    Original Article

    The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Patients with a Urological Malignancy

    Choung-Soo Kim, Sungchan Park,1 Sang Bok Lee, Jung Min Lee, Han Chung,2 Moon Kee Chung,3 Duck Ki Yoon,4 Jun Cheon,4 Wun Jae Kim,5 Byung Ha Chung,6 Sung Joon Hong,6 Jae Mann Song,7 Sung-Goo Chang,8 Han Yong Choi,9 Joung Sik Rim,10 Yong Hyun Cho,11 Kyung Hyun Moon,12 and Bup Wan Kim13
      • Department of Urology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Korea.
      • 1Department of Urology, Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
      • 2Department of Urology, Ghil Hospital, Gachon Medical School, Incheon, Korea.
      • 3Department of Urology, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea.
      • 4Department of Urology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
      • 5Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
      • 6Department of Urology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
      • 7Department of Urology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.
      • 8Department of Urology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
      • 9Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea.
      • 10Department of Urology, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea.
      • 11Department of Urology, The Catholic University, Seoul, Korea.
      • 12Department of Urology, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, Korea.
      • 13Department of Urology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
    • Corresponding author (Email: bupwkim@knu.ac.kr )
    Received January 09, 2006; Accepted April 14, 2006.

    Abstract

    Purpose

    The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is very common among patients with a urological malignancy. We assessed the prevalence and patterns of use of complementary therapies among patients with bladder, prostate and renal cancers.

    Materials and Methods

    Between May and July 2004, we conducted a survey to assess the use of CAM at 13 outpatient clinics in Korea. Seven hundred and eleven patients with bladder (269), prostate (300) or renal cancers (142) were selected to answer a self-administered questionnaire on CAM, which were then analyzed.

    Results

    Among 711 patients with urological malignancies, 279 (39.2%) had been treated with at least one type of CAM, in addition to conventional Western treatment. The cancer patients treated with radiation therapy or immunotherapy were more likely to employ CAM than those using other therapies. Age, gender, cancer type, occupations, religions, level of education and disease status (stable or progressive) were not associated with the prevalence of CAM. 44.3% of CAM users wanted to discuss CAM techniques with their doctors, but only 24.8% received an explanation of there use.

    Conclusions

    CAM is used by a large number of patients with urological malignancies, particularly in those undergoing radiation therapy or immunotherapy. Urologists need to have an accurate knowledge and apprehension of CAM. The possible effects and side effects should be defined, with appropriate guidelines recommended for patients with a urological malignancy.

    Keywords
    Alternative medicine; Prevalence; Prostate cancer; Bladder cancer; Renal cancer

    Figures

    Fig. 1
    Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) according to treatment modality.

    Fig. 2
    Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) according to the degree of education.

    Tables

    Table 1
    Patient characteristics

    Table 2
    Types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

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    MeSH Terms
    Ambulatory Care Facilities
    Complementary Therapies*
    Education
    Humans
    Immunotherapy
    Kidney Neoplasms
    Korea
    Occupations
    Prevalence
    Prostate
    Prostatic Neoplasms
    Surveys and Questionnaires
    Urinary Bladder
    Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
    Metrics
    Share
    Figures
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    Tables
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