Usage of Chinese Herbs in Cancer Patients in Southern China: A Survey
- 9 May 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in Chinese Journal of Integrated Medicine
- Vol. 27 (7), 502-508
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-019-3184-6
Abstract
Objective To study the use of Chinese medicine (CM) in cancer patients in southern China. Methods A total of 1,950 cancer patients finished questionnaires in four provinces in southern China. The survey included socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of participants, dosage forms, efficacy, and side effects. Results The study results showed that cancer patients with higher education (>12 years) were more likely to accept the treatment of Chinese herbs. There were 54.61% (1,065 cases) of patients chose Chinese herbs for the initial treatment and 14.46% (282 cases) chose Chinese herbs as monotherapy. Most patients (54.51%, 1,063 cases) continuously used CM for more than 6 months, and a few of them (212 cases) used CM for up to 3 years. All kinds of dosage forms of CM had been used, including CM decoction, CM patent prescription and CM injection. Concerning the efficacy in the view of patients, 40.31% (786 cases) believed that it would be effective to take Chinese herbs before they starting the anti-cancer treatment, and the percentage increased to 81.08% after 1-month CM treatment. The effect of Chinese herbs was mainly demonstrated by symptom relief and improvement of quality of life, and 8.31% (162 cases) of patients experienced control of tumor growth and decreased tumor markers. Furthermore, only 14.31% (279 cases) participants reported that they experienced side effects during CM treatment. Conclusion This large scale investigation reflects the current situation of domestic CM usage objectively and comprehensively, which might provide new ways for cancer treatment.Keywords
This publication has 20 references indexed in Scilit:
- Use of complementary and alternative medicine by lung cancer patients in Korea: A qualitative studyEuropean Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Use among Chinese Immigrant Cancer PatientsJournal of Cancer Education, 2013
- Use of Chinese Herb Medicine in Cancer Patients: A Survey in Southwestern ChinaEvidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012
- Traditional Chinese medicine: theoretical background and its use in ChinaOrvosi Hetilap, 2012
- A Survey of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Cancer Patients Treated with Radiotherapy in ThailandEvidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012
- The impact of acculturation on the use of traditional Chinese medicine in newly diagnosed Chinese cancer patientsSupportive Care in Cancer, 2007
- Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of ChinaThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2007
- Nationwide Survey on Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Patients in JapanJournal of Clinical Oncology, 2005
- Factors Influencing Preferences for Alternative Medicine by Korean AmericansThe American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2004
- Perceptions and attitudes of clinical oncologists on complementary and alternative medicineCancer, 2003