Abstract

Background: Cancer, the uncontrolled growth of cells, is a major cause of death throughout the world. Cancer prevalence in India is estimated to be around 2.5 million, with over 8, 00,000 new cases and 5, 50,000 deaths occurring each year due to this disease in the country. The Reflex zone therapy (RZT) a therapeutic method of reliving pain by stimulating the predefined pressure points on the feet.  It is not a medical approach in the usual sense of the word but rather a holistic approach that is complementary to more traditional conventional medicine.  

Objective: To find the opinion regard to the acceptance of reflex zone therapy among cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy in selected at selected hospitals of Karnataka, India. 

Methodology: Non probability purposive sampling technique was used select 30 Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Results: Hundred (100) % patient experienced more comfort from previous to present chemotherapy cycle with RZT. Off 96.66% patient the intensity of pain was highly reduced and 3.33% moderately reduced. 30% of patient felt moderate reduction and 70% felt high reduction in sensation of nausea and as well as in the level of fatigue. With regard to anxiety 36.66% of cancer patient reported to have no anxiety at all and 63.33% felt anxious to some extent. 100% acceptance was reported by the patients to have RZT in their next chemotherapy cycles and also 100% of patients recommended RZT for other cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. 

Conclusion: RZT was one of the efficient forms of complementary therapy in reducing the distressing side effects of chemotherapy among cancer patients.

Keywords: Outlook, Cancer patients, Reflex zone therapy, Hospital.