Abstract 1517P
Background
The use of herbal and dietary supplement (HDS) in cancer patients has been increasing over the past years while the risk of its adverse effects and undesirable reactions with conventional cancer treatment has also been accumulating. Limited studies involving perception of HDS by cancer patients has been conducted in our setting.
Methods
An initial survey was conducted among adult cancer patients undergoing treatment at the ZCMC Cancer Institute. HDS users were recruited for the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) via purposive sampling. A total of four groups were conducted. Clinical and demographic data were presented through descriptive statistics while data from the FGD were subjected to coding and thematic analysis.
Results
Among 22 respondents, more than half (65.4%) of the participants were noted to have used HDS and most (54.5%) of them were breast cancer patients with stage II-III disease. Treatment of cancer, coping with chemotherapy, and relief of cancer symptoms were the major reasons for HDS use. Most patients perceive HDS and chemotherapy to have an equally important role in management of cancer. Majority (36.36%) of patients were influenced by the media/internet and most (50%) did not disclose information to their primary health care providers. Eight respondents whose income were below minimum wage, spent more than 25% of their income on HDS, with some having spent more than 50%. This may seriously limit funds and result in failure to adhere to treatment.
Conclusions
Among cancer patients in ZCMC, HDS use is widely practiced and half do not disclose this information to their physicians. The expenditure on HDS consumes one fourth to half of the population’s meager monthly income. The secrecy surrounding its use and attendant cost may possibly limit adherence and adversely affect outcomes. Emphasis must be placed on health education to combat misinformation. Hospital policies and regulations may also be implemented to screen and restrict HDS use among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Larger future studies that investigate the impact of HDS use during treatment of cancer and studies that focus on the effects of HDS on financial burden should be explored.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.