Use of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Myanmar Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Background: The use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) is highly prevalent among breast cancer patients worldwide. Although high use of TCAM among Myanmar community is well documented and breast cancer is a leading non-communicable diseases in Myanmar women, there is no information about utilization of TCAM among breast cancer patients. The aim of this research is to explore the prevalence and factors predicting for TCAM use among breast cancer survivors in Myanmar. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaire among 431 breast cancer survivors in cancer department, Yangon General Hospital, Myanmar from September 2017 to October 2017. The questionnaire included 41 questions regarding clinical characteristics of breast cancer patients, TCAM use, perceived effectiveness of treatments and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Total 431 breast cancer survivors participated in this study (response rate,102%). Mean age of the respondents is 50.79±11.09. 197 (46.7%) of respondents were first diagnosed as breast cancer stage II. 198 participants (55.9%) got their diagnosis less than 12 months ago. Out of 431 respondents, (99%) got surgery, (93.5%) received chemotherapy and (68%) underwent radiotherapy. Use of one or more TCAM therapies for breast cancer related outcomes was reported by 281(65.2%) breast cancer survivors. Regarding TCAM modalities, mind-body therapies; praying is the leading TCAM modality, followed by cow’s urine therapy, herbal products, traditional Myanmar medicine (oral). Main sources of information of TCAM are family members and friends. Respondents’ age, education, employment status, family members are the influencing socio-demographic factors for TCAM use. Stage of cancer, duration of diagnosis and treatment, satisfaction with conventional breast cancer treatment are the main clinical predicting factors of TCAM use. Nearly half of TCAM users did not disclose about TCAM use to their physician. Conclusion: Prevalence of TCAM use among Myanmar breast cancer survivors is similar to that documented from other countries. Despite significant prevalence, lack of information about TCAM from healthcare providers is seen. There is still a communication gap in doctor-patient relationship regarding TCAM use. The findings identify the need for further in-depth research and demand physicians’ awareness for TCAM use of their patients. Key words: Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine, breast cancer