Cross sectional study of use of alternative medicines in Chinese cancer patients

The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of alternativemedicine consumption in Chinese cancer patients on active conventionaltreatment. A cross sectional survey of 100 consecutive advanced cancerpatients admitted to a cancer clinical trial referral unit were personallyinterviewed by their assigned oncology research nurse using a speciallydesigned questionnaire. The results showed that 64% of our patients usedindigenous Chinese medication. In all age groups except the over-70s (P =0.043), > 50% took such medication, more female (76%) than male (57.6%)patients (P = 0.323). Patients of all educational levels (P = 0.062) andreligious backgrounds (P = 0.08) consumed alternative medicines. Durationof alternative medication consumption was less than three months in 50% ofpatients, with costs between US$40 and 2000/month for 70% of patients.Reasons cited for alternative medication consumption was hope that it mightbe of some benefit to their well being or disease control, and maybe evenresult in a miracle cure. Sources of advice on medication were mostly fromstrangers (by word of mouth), family, friends, the media, and infrequentlyfrom qualified professional Chinese doctors. Reasons for discontinuing suchtreatment were mostly given as lack of positive effect. In conclusion,Chinese cancer patients, willingly, rampantly and non-selectively seek outand consume alternative medications, with almost total ignorance of themedication consumed, oblivious to any potential side effects, and withlittle subjective benefit.