Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Fatigue and Pain Among Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal cancers are associated with pain and fatigue that impair quality of life; use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for symptom management is increasing, yet data from Türkiye remain limited. METHOD: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed with 167 gastrointestinal cancer patients receiving treatment at a university hospital in Türkiye. RESULTS: Liver cancer (33.5%) and gastric cancer (31.7%) were the most common diagnoses. The total mean holistic complementary and alternative medicine questionnaire (HCAMQ) score was 31.54 ± 4.67, with subscale scores of 18.31 ± 2.86 for the CAM and 13.22 ± 2.99 for the holistic health (HH). Considering that lower scores indicate more favorable attitudes, the mean HCAMQ score suggests relatively favorable attitudes toward CAM. Prayer, positive thinking, and conversation were the most commonly used methods for managing fatigue and pain. DISCUSSION: The findings indicate a generally positive attitude toward CAM, highlighting its role in symptom management among gastrointestinal cancer patients.