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research spotlight

Dr Chui Ping Lei presented research findings at the East Asian Forum of Nursing Scholars in Chiba, Japan.

giving sessions based on the perception of products, and traditional medicine. Many
the patients’ themselves. Currently, a study patients perceived mind-body practices to
on cancer patients’ unmet supportive care be beneficial for improving overall well-being
needs (psychological, health system and during chemotherapy. This finding is rather
information, physical and daily living, patient encouraging as mind-body practices are non-
care and support, and sexuality) during ingested therapies, and some of the therapies
chemotherapy is in progress. are relatively simple to learn, inexpensive and
can easily be integrated into daily life.
COMPLEMENTARY ALTERNATIVE
MEDICINE (CAM) USE AMONG CANCER An open discussion regarding CAM use, and
PATIENTS DURING CHEMOTHERAPY specifically regarding the differences between
The team showed in a local study more than mind-body practices, natural products and
half of breast cancer patients undergoing traditional medicine will empower patients
chemotherapy were identified as CAM users. to understand the potential benefits and
The main reason for using CAM was to improve anticipate potential adverse effects from CAM
emotional well-being, recommendation usage that may interfere with the therapeutic
by others and to assist in treating cancer effects of chemotherapy. Currently, a study to
respectively. The most common CAM use examine the effects of mindful breathing on
was mind-body practices, followed by natural perceived stress and psychological well-being

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