In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has continued to play a pivotal role in the treatment landscape for cancer patients across China, integrating centuries-old holistic practices with cutting-edge Western medical approaches. A groundbreaking study has emerged, shedding light on the complex motivations behind Chinese cancer patients’ adoption of TCM and the nuances of their communication with oncologists. This comprehensive research offers valuable insights that could drive culturally attuned, patient-centered care models in oncology, both within China and in broader global contexts where Chinese immigrant populations reside.
The study involved a robust cohort of 287 outpatient cancer patients, meticulously selected to represent a consecutive sample and ensure the reliability of findings. Researchers compiled extensive sociodemographic and clinical data, focusing particularly on patients’ usage of TCM modalities and the underlying reasons prompting their integration of these traditional therapies within their treatment regimens. A critical aspect of the investigation centered on evaluating the extent and nature of dialogue between patients and their oncologists concerning TCM, an area historically marked by gaps in disclosure and understanding.
Analysis revealed that patients’ decisions to employ TCM converged around a quintet of principal motivations. Foremost among these was a strong, intrinsic belief in the therapeutic benefits of TCM itself—a testament to the cultural resonance and perceived efficacy of traditional herbal remedies, acupuncture, and related practices. This conviction often stemmed from the ingrained cultural heritage and holistic philosophy underlying TCM, which contrasts with the biomedical model of Western medicine (WM).
Equally influential were recommendations from trusted social circles, including family members, friends, and intriguingly, oncologists themselves. This dimension underscores the social and relational dynamics that inform patient decision-making, reflecting a blend of personal, cultural, and medical endorsements. The third major driver identified was the belief in synergistic benefits arising from combining TCM with Western medicine, suggesting that patients viewed the interplay of both systems as a means to maximize therapeutic outcomes and manage the multifaceted challenges of cancer.
Notably, positive prior experiences with TCM therapies further reinforced ongoing usage. Patients who had benefited from herbal remedies or acupuncture in the past demonstrated continued confidence in these modalities, often seeking to replicate earlier successes in symptom management or quality of life improvement. Conversely, some patients turned to TCM due to dissatisfaction with or intolerance to the side effects of Western treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, highlighting a critical area where TCM may serve as a complementary yet essential strategy to mitigate adverse reactions.
Among the subset of 103 patients consulting external TCM providers during their cancer journey, a significant majority—approximately 65%—disclosed this ancillary care to their oncologists. This finding marks a positive trend in candid communication, essential for ensuring coordinated and safe cancer management. However, disclosure was not uniform; patients diagnosed longer ago were more inclined to reveal their TCM usage, potentially reflecting evolving patient-physician relationships or greater self-efficacy over time. Conversely, employment status emerged as a determinant factor, with employed patients tending to withhold such information, perhaps due to concerns about stigmatization, privacy, or the perceived judgment within clinical interactions.
Oncologists’ reactions to patient disclosures of external TCM use varied considerably. More than half—55%—adopted a neutral stance, neither endorsing nor discouraging TCM treatments, revealing potential ambivalence or uncertainty within the conventional medical community regarding traditional practices. This highlights a pressing need for enhanced education and training among Chinese healthcare providers to foster deeper awareness of patients’ cultural beliefs and complementary therapy preferences, thereby promoting a more personalized and culturally sensitive approach to oncological care.
Beyond the clinical setting in China, these findings bear profound implications for Western oncology practitioners who increasingly encounter Chinese immigrant patients integrating TCM into their treatment paradigms. Understanding the prevalence, motivations, and communication patterns associated with TCM use enables healthcare professionals to cultivate cultural competence, strengthen therapeutic alliances, and address potential risks stemming from uncoordinated care or drug-herb interactions.
The study emphasizes that less than one-third of patients pursue additional TCM care beyond their primary oncologist, and among these, the majority engage in open discussions about such treatments. This statistic underscores both progress and an area ripe for improvement, advocating for targeted patient education programs that encourage transparent dialogue about TCM. These initiatives should highlight the critical importance of disclosure to minimize adverse events and enable integrative care planning.
Furthermore, the research points to the necessity of equipping oncologists with communication strategies that acknowledge and respect the cultural significance of TCM while correcting misconceptions. Such balance is essential for fostering a holistic approach that honors patients’ values and preferences without compromising safety or therapeutic efficacy. An oncologist’s ability to navigate these conversations with sensitivity enhances trust, potentially improving adherence and outcomes.
Importantly, the study calls for deeper exploration into the influence of family members and social networks on patients’ treatment decisions. These social determinants are integral in shaping health behaviors within collectivist cultures, necessitating a broader, family-inclusive framework in patient education and care planning. Integrating these cultural dimensions into contemporary oncology practice affirms the imperative to blend traditional values with modern medicine for truly effective, patient-centered care.
The convergence of these insights signals a paradigm shift wherein modern oncology must adapt to cultural realities and patient beliefs. The traditional dichotomy between Western biomedicine and TCM is giving way to a more nuanced recognition that respectful integration can yield holistic benefits. As the global cancer burden grows, embracing such integrative models will be critical in enhancing the quality of life and clinical outcomes for diverse patient populations.
This pioneering research published in Future Integrative Medicine represents a vital step toward bridging the gap between two worlds of healing. By uncovering the motivations and communication patterns surrounding TCM use among Chinese cancer patients, it provides a blueprint for healthcare systems to evolve and respond to the complex needs of culturally diverse patients. Ultimately, enabling honest dialogue and culturally competent care can transform oncology into a more inclusive domain, responsive to the realities of patient experiences worldwide.
Subject of Research: Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine among Chinese cancer patients and communication with oncologists
Article Title: Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chinese Patients with Cancer Receiving Outpatient Care: Primary Reasons and Communication with Oncologists
News Publication Date: 30-Mar-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.14218/FIM.2025.00006
Keywords: Traditional Chinese medicine, cancer treatments, clinical research
