This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between cancer-related stress and the types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used by subjects diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The number of study subjects was 142, and for data analysis, descriptive statistics, t-test, χ² test, logistic regression procedures were performed. Of the subjects, 114 were CAM users, who accounted for 79.6%. When it came to using CAM, 82 (72.6%) said they did “to prevent cancer recurrence.” The most popular reason for not using CAM was “to focus on treatment as instructed by the doctor,” with 22 (75.8%) respondents selecting the answer. Of those who used CAM, 79 (55.6%) said they took “dietary supplements,” followed by 65 (45.8%) who picked “vitamins and minerals.” Regarding CAM usage, ginger, aloe, swimming, and walking had the highest satisfaction (4.25 ± 0.71). The cancer-related stress of subjects who use CAM (18.21 ± 15.37) was higher than that of subjects who did not use CAM (10.11 ± 12.08). Logistic regression analysis determined that cancer-related stress were factors significantly associated with CAM use. Patients using CAM had higher cancer-related stress, suggesting that stress on cancer increased CAM interest. Safe and reliable CAM information and standardized recommendations should be provided to cancer survivors. We propose the development of training programs for CAM to improve communication between medical staff and patients and to protect patients.

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• Herbal and alternative medicine use: a cross sectional study to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of use in cancer patients
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  Frontiers in Pharmacology.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
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This study sought to investigate the effects of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on postoperative recovery and nutritional status in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic surgery. A total of 37 patients were included: 19 in the experimental group and 18 in the control group. The experimental group was supplemented with carbohydrate drinks before and after surgery, and the control group was maintained with fasting and water intake in the traditional method. Both care management and nutrition education were implemented for both groups. Patients were evaluated for physical condition, clinical indicators, blood tests, pain, length of stay, nutritional status, and nutrient intake. Use of the ERAS program for the experimental group resulted in shorter length of stay (p = 0.006), less pain (p < 0.001), and a lower rate of malnutrition (p = 0.014) compared with controls. In conclusion, carbohydrate drinks provide great advantages by reducing discomfort, such as pain or thirst, during fasting in patients after colon cancer surgery, helping patients to eat comfortably and actively, minimizing insulin resistance, maintaining nitrogen balance, and reducing infection and anastomosis leakage. For use of ERAS as a standardized program, repeated and expanded research is needed, and a Korean-style ERAS should be prepared by using this approach for various diseases.

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• Complications and length of stay after enhanced recovery after surgery compared to conventional care in colorectal cancer patients in Northern Italy
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