Perceptions about traditional Chinese medicine use among Chinese breast cancer survivors: A qualitative study

Autor: Yik‐Laam Hung, Siu‐Sing Leung, Siu‐Ting Pamela Chiu, Pik‐Yi Li, Anson Chi‐On Kan, Chi‐Chung Lo, Sze‐Yuen Zeta Wong, Sze‐Lam Luk, Cheuk‐Lam Charlotte Lai, Aya El Helali, Wendy Wing‐Lok Chan
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Cancer Medicine, Vol 12, Iss 2, Pp 1997-2007 (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2045-7634
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5046
Popis: Abstract Introduction An increasing number of breast cancer survivors (BCS) use traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) throughout their cancer journey. There is emerging evidence that TCM is effective in the reducing side effects of chemotherapy. However, qualitative patient‐centric and culturally relevant research into TCM use is scant. This qualitative study aimed to explore the use and perceptions of Chinese Hong Kong BCS using TCM. Methods Participants were recruited from a university hospital and three breast cancer patient groups in Hong Kong. Questionnaires regarding the use of TCM were given to all participants, followed by individual semi‐structured interviews on selected BCS to comprehensively understand TCM's use and perceptions. A greater emphasis was placed on the qualitative data. Results About half of the participants (n = 67, 48.9%) used TCM during their cancer treatment journey, among which almost all (n = 64, 95.5%) had improved symptoms. Sleeping disturbances (n = 58, 86.6%) and fatigue (n = 53, 79.1%) were the two most common symptoms that improved after TCM. Interview data revealed that participants used TCM to satisfy unmet needs that mainstream conventional Western medicine could not fulfil. They wished for a sense of control and better well‐being. They expressed improvements in physical and psychological well‐being after the use of TCM. Despite existing barriers, including high cost, long duration of treatment, and disapproval from oncologists, most would still recommend TCM to fellow survivors. Conclusions Chinese Hong Kong BCS who used TCM reported positive experiences. Understanding how BCS perceive and use TCM is important to integrating TCM into survivorship care in this population.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
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