An Irish study, which is investigating the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) among people who have, or have had cancer, is looking for participants.

The study, which is open to both cancer patients/survivors and healthcare professionals, is being carried out by researchers at University College Cork (UCC) and is funded by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).

Its aim is to characterise the use of CAM in this population, identify motivations for using CAM, and explore how healthcare professionals communicate with patients about this divisive topic.

The researchers hope that the results will help healthcare professionals to better support the needs of people with cancer.

However, the study, which began last year, has been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic because in-person recruitment has been impossible. The researchers noted that in particular, there are fewer older people and men taking part than originally hoped for.

Participants will be asked to take part in an online/telephone survey. This will be available until the end of April, however earlier participation is encouraged.

Patients/survivors can sign up for the survey here, while healthcare professionals can sign up here.

More details can be found at www.ucc.ie/en/oncamie and if you would like any further information, including the option to participate via telephone, you can contact the study coordinator, registered dietitian, Erin Sullivan, at 085 133 3050 or erin.sullivan@ucc.ie.