Education about complementary and alternative medicine in cancer self-help groups by trained peers.

Purpose: On average, about 50% of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in addition to conventional cancer treatment. Since there is a high need for information, patients often search for information about CAM and share experiences with peers, especially in self-help groups. In this study, we tested and evaluated an educational concept developed for group leaders of cancer self-help groups on how to approach the topic of CAM in their peer groups.

Barriers to utilisation of cancer rehabilitation from the expert's view: A cross-sectional survey.

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate barriers to utilisation of cancer rehabilitation by querying a large sample of various professionals in health care with a comprehensive set of barriers.

Methods: We developed a questionnaire comprising 55 barriers to utilisation of cancer rehabilitation and administered it to four different types of medical, care and social work experts involved in the referral to cancer rehabilitation. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted and the extracted factors were ranked by mean values.

[Barriers in the Application Process for Oncological Rehabilitation: A Nationwide Expert Study].

Purpose: From the perspective of various expert groups involved in the care of oncological patients, barriers to the application process of oncological rehabilitation programs will be identified. The study was funded by the German Pension Insurance Association (DRV).

Methods: Based on an interview study (N=61), a questionnaire instrument with 55 items describing possible barriers in the application process was designed and implemented online.

[Barriers in the Application Process for Oncological Rehabilitation: Results of a Qualitative Expert Survey].

Purpose: In this study, which was funded by the German Federal Pension Fund (DRV), barriers in the application process for oncological rehabilitation services were examined from the perspective of various expert groups.

Methods: In an exploratory multicentre qualitative cross-sectional study 61 semi-structured interviews with experts working in oncological care were conducted: Physicians (n=26), social workers (n=22), psychologists/psycho-oncologists (n=6), nurses/medical assistants (n=5), administrative staff of the DRV (n=2). In guided interviews the participants were asked about their experiences with rehabilitation applications as well as their estimations and evaluations regarding possible reasons for non-utilisation.

Educational Program in Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer Self-Help Groups.

Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients is estimated to be approximately 40%. In self-help groups there is a need for information about CAM. This pilot study aimed to develop and evaluate a CAM educational program for cancer self-help groups.

Interdisciplinary Screening, Diagnosis, Therapy and Follow-up of Breast Cancer. Guideline of the DGGG and the DKG (S3-Level, AWMF Registry Number 032/045OL, December 2017) - Part 2 with Recommendations for the Therapy of Primary, Recurrent and Advanced Breast Cancer.

The aim of this official guideline coordinated and published by the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG) and the German Cancer Society (DKG) was to optimize the screening, diagnosis, therapy and follow-up care of breast cancer. The process of updating the S3 guideline published in 2012 was based on the adaptation of identified source guidelines. They were combined with reviews of evidence compiled using PICO (Patients/Interventions/Control/Outcome) questions and with the results of a systematic search of literature databases followed by the selection and evaluation of the identified literature.

Interdisciplinary Screening, Diagnosis, Therapy and Follow-up of Breast Cancer. Guideline of the DGGG and the DKG (S3-Level, AWMF Registry Number 032/045OL, December 2017) - Part 1 with Recommendations for the Screening, Diagnosis and Therapy of Breast Cancer.

The aim of this official guideline coordinated and published by the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG) and the German Cancer Society (DKG) was to optimize the screening, diagnosis, therapy and follow-up care of breast cancer. The process of updating the S3 guideline dating from 2012 was based on the adaptation of identified source guidelines which were combined with reviews of evidence compiled using PICO (Patients/Interventions/Control/Outcome) questions and the results of a systematic search of literature databases and the selection and evaluation of the identified literature. The interdisciplinary working groups took the identified materials as their starting point to develop recommendations and statements which were modified and graded in a structured consensus procedure.

Balance impairments and neuromuscular changes in breast cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Objective: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Resulting sensory and motor dysfunctions often lead to functional impairments like gait or balance disorders. As the underlying neuromuscular mechanisms are not fully understood, we compared balance performance of CIPN patients with healthy controls (CON) to specify differences responsible for postural instability.

Cancer rehabilitation indicators for Europe.

Little is known of cancer rehabilitation needs in Europe. EUROCHIP-3 organised a group of experts to propose a list of population-based indicators used for describing cancer rehabilitation across Europe. The aim of this study is to present and discuss these indicators.

Classical homeopathy in the treatment of cancer patients--a prospective observational study of two independent cohorts.

Background: Many cancer patients seek homeopathy as a complementary therapy. It has rarely been studied systematically, whether homeopathic care is of benefit for cancer patients.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study with cancer patients in two differently treated cohorts: one cohort with patients under complementary homeopathic treatment (HG; n = 259), and one cohort with conventionally treated cancer patients (CG; n = 380).

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients with climacteric complaints - a prospective observational study.

Objective: The antihormonal therapy of breast cancer patients with the antiestrogen tamoxifen often induces or aggravates menopausal complaints. As estrogen substitution is contraindicated, herbal alternatives, e.g.