Evaluation of knowledge and attitudes of cancer patients on vitamin and mineral supplements

Background: The use of vitamin and mineral supplements (VMS) in different patient populations, especially in cancer patients, has increased in recent years. In this study, we aimed to compare the knowledge and attitudes of cancer patients and healthy population about VMS use. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was administered to cancer patients and healthy control group to get insights into their sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge and attitudes about VMS use. Results: Of the 778 participants, 217 (27.8%) were cancer patients. The use of VMS was higher in the cancer patients (60.4%) than in the control group (32.8%). The rates of VMS use were higher in the patients with cancer at an advanced stage. The rate of using Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, folic acid, iron, and calcium was higher in the cancer patients compared to the healthy population. The use of Vitamin B complex and folic acid was higher in the patients with gastric cancer, and the use of Vitamin D and calcium was higher in the patients with breast cancer compared to other cancer types. Conclusion: The use of VMS was found to be higher in the cancer patients than in the control group. Living in a city center and having an advanced-stage cancer were seen as the predictive factors for the use of VMS in cancer patients. It was observed that the cancer patients used VMS frequently because the physician in charge recommended and they saw a positive effect after using VMS. The control group obtained the information about VMS through the media. It is possible to have more positive results if VMS is used under a physician's control and indication.