CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF USE OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES IN CHINESE CANCER-PATIENTS

The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of alternative m edicine consumption in Chinese cancer patients on active conventional treatment, A cross sectional survey of 100 consecutive advanced cancer patients admitted to a cancer clinical trial referral unit were perso nally interviewed by their assigned oncology research nurse using a sp ecially designed questionnaire, The results showed that 64% of our pat ients used indigenous Chinese medication, In all age groups except the over-70s (P = 0.043), >50% took such medication, more female (76%) th an male (57.6%) patients (P = 0.323), Patients of all educational leve ls (P = 0.062) and religious backgrounds (P = 0.08) consumed alternati ve medicines, Duration of alternative medication consumption was less than three months in 50% of patients, with costs between US$40 and 200 0/month for 70% of patients, Reasons cited for alternative medication consumption was hope that it might be of some benefit to their well be ing or disease control, and maybe even result in a miracle cure. Sourc es of advice on medication were mostly from strangers (by word of mout h), family, friends, the media, and infrequently from qualified profes sional Chinese doctors, Reasons for discontinuing such treatment were mostly given as lack of positive effect, In conclusion, Chinese cancer patients, willingly, rampantly and non-selectively seek out and consu me alternative medications, with almost total ignorance of the medicat ion consumed, oblivious to any potential side effects, and with little subjective benefit.