Complementary and alternative medicine use in cancer: A systematic review

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in cancer is increasing. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to determine demographic profiles and prevalence and reasons for use in cancer patients. In this systematic review, the databases OVID, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for studies on CAM use in cancer between 2009 and June 2018. The results showed that an average of 51% of cancer patients used CAM. Common independent demographic characteristics associated with CAM use were younger, female cancer patients, having higher education, earning a higher income and having previously used CAM. Frequent reasons for use, grouped into themes were shown to be to influence their cancer and general health and to treat complications of the cancer or therapy. The review provides an insight and will serve to better inform health professionals on how this population is using CAM. •CAM use by cancer patients can be a safety concern due to risks of interactions with anti-cancer therapy.•This systematic review has identified prevalence, predictors and reasons for CAM use by cancer patients.•Prevalence of CAM use was found to be 51% in cancer patients.•Young, female, higher educated and higher earning cancer patients were found more likely to use CAM.•The most common reason (thematic analysis) for CAM use was to treat or cure their cancer.