Popularity of Traditional Chinese Medicine Use Among Breast Cancer Patients in North China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background

The role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in breast cancer treatment is controversial. The aim of this study is to explore the popularity of TCM among the breast cancer patients who have been treated with Western medicine (WM) in north China.

Methods

An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted. We consecutively recruited 691 breast cancer patients who were diagnosed in Shanxi Bethune Hospital between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2020 and completed follow-up between June and August 2022. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Participants were asked about TCM use by phone. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed as appropriate.

Results

At median follow-up of 41 months (range, 17–61 months), 326 (47.2%) participants used TCM. The results of multivariate logistic regression showed that residential area, education, annual income per capita, experienced TCM treatment before, stage of diagnosis, and trust in TCM were independent predictors of TCM use. The detail of TCM use and the reason for non-TCM use were presented comprehensively.

Conclusion

The use of TCM was prevalent among breast cancer patients treated with WM in north China. If WM physician encourage the patients with higher intention to use TCM and provide them with appropriate advices, the quality of life of patients will be further improved through integrating TCM into standard adjuvant therapy.

Keywords:

• traditional Chinese medicine
• breast cancer
• cross-sectional study
• China

Abbreviations

TCM, traditional Chinese medicine; WM, Western medicine.

Data Sharing Statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the corresponding author, without undue reservation.

Ethics Approval

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the Shanxi Bethune Hospital Ethics Committee (No. YXLL-2023-153).

Consent to Participate

The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. The manuscript has been read and approved by all the authors.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose for this work.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Four “Batches” Innovation Project of Invigorating Medical through Science and Technology of Shanxi Province (2022XM01) and Shanxi Province “136 Revitalization Medical Project Construction Funds”.