Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 27, Issue 1 37-41, Copyright © 1997 by Foundation for Promotion of Cancer Research
JM Liu, HC Chu, YH Chin, YM Chen, RK Hsieh, TJ Chiou and J Whang-Peng
The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of alternative
medicine consumption in Chinese cancer patients on active conventional
treatment. A cross sectional survey of 100 consecutive advanced cancer
patients admitted to a cancer clinical trial referral unit were personally
interviewed by their assigned oncology research nurse using a specially
designed questionnaire. The results showed that 64% of our patients used
indigenous Chinese medication. In all age groups except the over-70s (P =
0.043), > 50% took such medication, more female (76%) than male (57.6%)
patients (P = 0.323). Patients of all educational levels (P = 0.062) and
religious backgrounds (P = 0.08) consumed alternative medicines. Duration
of alternative medication consumption was less than three months in 50% of
patients, with costs between US$40 and 2000/month for 70% of patients.
Reasons cited for alternative medication consumption was hope that it might
be of some benefit to their well being or disease control, and maybe even
result in a miracle cure. Sources of advice on medication were mostly from
strangers (by word of mouth), family, friends, the media, and infrequently
from qualified professional Chinese doctors. Reasons for discontinuing such
treatment were mostly given as lack of positive effect. In conclusion,
Chinese cancer patients, willingly, rampantly and non-selectively seek out
and consume alternative medications, with almost total ignorance of the
medication consumed, oblivious to any potential side effects, and with
little subjective benefit.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Cross sectional study of use of alternative medicines in Chinese cancer patients
Cancer Clinical Research Center, National Health Research Institute, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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