Cancer survivors’ perspectives and experience on western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine treatment and rehabilitation: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundIn the People’s Republic of China, both western medicine (WM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are the main treatment and rehabilitation options for cancer patients. This study aimed to explore cancer survivors’ perspectives and experience of treatment and rehabilitation, in order to promote patient-centered activities of treatment and rehabilitation.MethodsUsing a qualitative research approach, 68 cancer survivors were recruited from eight community cancer rehabilitation organizations in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. Eight focus group interviews were conducted. All these interviews were transcribed verbatim, and the data were analyzed by theme analysis.ResultsWM was the main choice in treatment phase though study participants noted more side effects. TCM was primarily used in the recovery phase. The lack of communication between doctors and cancer patients appears to affect treatment adherence and impair the doctor–patient relationship. WM was expensive for diagnostic procedures and treatment, while the cumulative costs of frequent use of TCM in the long rehabilitation period were also high. Both treatment options created significant perceived economic burden on patients. Conflicting information about dietary supplements tended to make cancer survivors confused.ConclusionImproving the communication between doctors and cancer patients helps to ameliorate cancer patient adherence and the effect of treatments. It is essential to educate cancer patients about the effect and cost of both WM and traditional TCM. Meanwhile, marketing management and guidance to consumers regarding use of dietary supplements in the cancer rehabilitation field are also necessary.

Needs, preferences, and experiences of adult cancer survivors in accessing dietary information post‐treatment: A scoping review

“…This university (Blair et al, 2019;des Bordes et al, 2016;Koutoukidis et al, 2017;Nissen et al, 2014;Rabin et al, 2011;Robles et al, 2020;Wanchai et al, 2012) and government sources (Absolom et al, 2009;Alimujiang et al, 2019;Blair et al, 2019;Bours et al, 2015;Brems et al, 2013;Ching & Mok, 2019;Chua et al, 2020;Du et al, 2020;Haggstrom et al, 2009;Hawkins et al, 2015;Holla et al, 2016;Jarvandi et al, 2020;Kenzik et al, 2016;Kim et al, 2018;Klassen et al, 2018;Lawler et al, 2011;May et al, 2019;Nissen et al, 2014;Scarton et al, 2018;Wang et al, 2015;Weaver et al, 2013;Wright et al, 2017;Zaleta et al, 2017). EJ is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend.…”

A feasibility study on using tablet personal computers for self‐reported symptom assessment in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients

“…However, the study revealed that the system could also enable lung cancer patients to gain a better understanding and awareness of their symptoms. In the Chinese context, a paternalistic doctor‐patient relationship often inhibits communication (Gu, Chan, Twinn, & Choi, ; Wang et al, ). Chinese patients tend to be dependent on their health care professionals.…”

Evaluating Cancer Patients’ Expectations and Barriers Toward Traditional Chinese Medicine Utilization in China: A Patient-Support Group–Based Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Although several studies in China have investigated Chinese cancer patients’ expected benefits from TCM treatments, their findings are limited due to small sample sizes, qualitative study design, and failure to determine factors affecting cancer patients’ expectations. 4 , 18 - 20 To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first study to explore cancer survivors’ barriers toward TCM use in China.…”