VANINI, M.; BARBIERI, R.L.; HECK, R.M.    SCHWARTZ, E.. Uso de plantas medicinales por pacientes oncológicos y familiares en un centro de radioterapia. []. , 10, 21. ISSN 1695-6141.

Cancer is considered a public health problem and a pathology which is still without the certainty of cure, thus acquiring the stigma of terminality. It is realized that in addition to conventional treatments there also exist some alternative therapies among patients with chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to report the use of plants as complementary therapy for oncology patients undergoing radiotherapy at a clinic belonging to a State University of Southern Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul State. This is a qualitative research based on semi-structured interviews carried out with patients and family members who frequented a radiotherapy center between January and December 2006. The findings show the wide use of complementary therapies for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The therapies mentioned included use of the following medicinal plants: horsetail, pink trumpet tree, crushed nutshell, Aloe vera, chamomile and marcela. We recommend that the health professionals who work directly with people with cancer should be qualified to offer secure information about these complementary therapies.

: Neoplasm; Phytotherapy; Medicinal plants; Nursing.

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