Background and goals
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used in Cancer care in China as an integral part of treatment. This study was intended to understand the incentives of cancer patients in China to adopt TCM in their treatment and to examine their communication with oncologists. Obtaining knowledge in these factors can enhance the cultural sensitive, focusing on weak oncological care.
Method
A successive sample of 287 out -of -cancer patients was recruited. Socio -demographic and clinical data, the use of TCM, the main reasons for the adoption of TCM, and the communication on TCM with oncologists were collected. Descriptive statistics, binary accounting and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data.
Results
Patients’ primary reasons for the choice of TCM fell into five main categories: (1) the belief in the benefits of TCM itself, (2) recommendations from others (family, friends or oncologists), (3) faith in the benefits of the TCM combination with Western Medicine (4) Wm. Among the 103 patients consulted by external TCM providers, 65% revealed it to their oncologists. A longer time since the diagnosis was associated with a greater probability of disclosure, while patients employed were less likely to inform their oncologists. Oncologists’ answers vary, with 55% neither approval nor disapproval of TCM external recipes.
Conclusions
The main reasons why patients used TCM were the perceived benefits and recommendations from oncologists and family members. In order to enhance patient care, Chinese healthcare providers must receive training to better understand the beliefs and cultural practices of patients, allowing more personalized and culturally sensitive care. Western oncology practitioners must also understand the prevalence and incentives behind the use of TCM between Chinese migratory patients. This understanding encourages cultural ability and enhances patients’ relationship. Less than one -third of patients are looking for additional TCM care and the majority of them discussed additional TCM treatment with their current oncologist. The treatment of communication gaps through patient training programs is critical. These programs should emphasize the importance of revealing the use of TCM in oncologists, thereby minimizing the dangers associated with uncoordinated care. Oncologists should also be equipped to deal with misconceptions about TCM in a way that respects its cultural significance, promoting a respectable and holistic approach to patient care. In addition, as noted in this manuscript, further research is needed to examine the influence of family and social recommendations on treatment decisions. These findings enhance the importance of integrating cultural practices into modern oncology to provide holistic and effective patient care.
Source:
Magazine report:
Liu, S., et al. (2025). Use of traditional Chinese medicine in Chinese patients with cancer taking care of external patients: primary reasons and communication with oncologists. Future integration medicine. Doi.org/10.14218/fim.2025.00006.
