IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF BREAST
CANCER PATIENTS WITH INTEGRATED MEDICINE
TECHNIQUES
F. Cracolici, A. Giallombardo, S. Biancanelli, A. Martignetti, C. Fratarcangeli, A. Falzetta, P. Petreni, C. Casi, M. Farzad, G. Fornai, C. Bocci, R. Ferreri, M. Bonucci, G. Marino
Vol.1 issue1 (2024), pag. 50 - 63
| Received | 18/12/2023 |
| Accepted | 10/01/2024 |
| Published | 6/03/2024 |
| Review by | Double-blind |
| doi | https://doi.org/10.69068/IJIO08 |
ABSTRACT
Context
As part of an integrated oncological treatment path, complementary medicines can provide support in mitigating the common side effects of conventional oncological treatments in breast cancer.
Objectives
The objective of this project was to involve patients undergoing oncology treatment through interventions specific to Complementary Medicine, to evaluate the impact on improving the quality of life of treated patients and controlling symptoms.
Materials and methods
After an interview to collect informed consent and a multidisciplinary clinical visit by doctors expert in Acupuncture, Phytotherapy and Homeopathy, 61 patients (60 women and one man) diagnosed with breast cancer were enrolled and underwent integrated and complementary medicine interventions including in the project entitled "Improving the quality of life of cancer patients, with the techniques of Complementary Medicine and Integrated Medicine", which was carried out at the hospital of Poggibonsi (SI) Local Health Authority of South-East Tuscany in the period April 2020-May 2021.
Some patients were treated for multiple symptoms. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated in patients treated with Complementary Medicines by administering the ESAS2 form (Edmonton Symtom Assessment Scale). Furthermore, a questionnaire on the perceived quality of the service was administered at the end of the treatment. The medical oncologist then re-evaluated the patient's state of health at the end of the treatment.
Results
Of 61 evaluable patients suffering from breast ETP in the observation period from April 2020 to May 2021, 72% of patients responded to the satisfaction questionnaire that the complementary therapies provided were very effective, while in 15% effective and in 13% not very effective. 92% of patients reported improvement in general well-being while for only 8% of patients well-being remained unchanged.
Furthermore, at the end of the therapeutic process, patients are encouraged to follow a lifestyle aimed at preventing the disease from returning.
Patients have released numerous written dedications thanking them for the benefit achieved.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that Integrated Medicine can help reduce the side effects of conventional cancer treatments and can help patients improve their subjective quality of life. It therefore seems reasonable to offer an integrative approach as part of standard patient care.