Undergraduate Research at FIU (URFIU) Conference

Natural products and special diets: The perceptions of female breast cancer patients in Miami

Breast cancer is a ubiquitous cancer that derives from a plethora of cells in the breast. To escape the invasive and debilitating treatments associated with the disease, cancer patients have begun to implement complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), particularly natural products and special diets. Unfortunately, the current cancer data will require revision imminently as it is tailored to White, Non-Hispanic populations who are becoming a minority in the U.S. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources [HHR], 2011). Also, there is a lack of research pertaining CAM perceptions. Furthermore, the current study elucidated the perceptions female breast cancer patients attained towards natural products and special diets in Miami. The study narrowed in on the patients’ race, ethnicity, education, and income. Moreover, the study indirectly explores the modalities’ efficacy and viability. A survey method was utilized, and it yielded qualitative data from 77 breast cancer patients in the form of open-ended responses, which were later quantified. The results suggest that the patients regard the modalities in a positive light; they perceived the modalities as useful and effective in helping the body in many aspects. The findings can prompt physicians, treatment facilities, and higher entities to handle cancer-rooted medical situations with regards to CAM as a viable treatment suggestion. The current research also paves the way for further oncological research, which is critical as the current knowledge base demands findings.