The use of traditional Chinese medicine and food avoidance by Chinese breast cancer patients

Abstract

Aim: To determine the prevalence and pattern of the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and food avoidance in Chinese breast cancer patients. Methods: 824 consecutive Chinese breast cancer patients who received operation at our Centre were recruited to fill a questionnaire on TCM and food avoidance. Results: Data of 802 participants was analysed, excluding 22 questionnaires with missing data (completion rate 97.3%). 181 (22.0%) patients were on TCM after the diagnosis of breast cancer. Patients on TCM were younger (P = 0.000) and had higher educational level (P = 0.038) as compared to those not on TCM. There was no association between marital status, occupation, household income, number of dependents and TCM use. The most frequently cited reason for TCM use was body conditioning (82.5%). Nearly half the patients (47.7%) did not inform their doctors of TCM use. 495 (61.7%) patients reported food avoidance after breast cancer diagnosis, with chicken being the most commonly avoided (63%). Conclusion: While younger patients with higher education tended to opt for TCM use, there did not appear to be any significant association with other demographic factors. Breast cancer patients were commonly advised to avoid consumption of fried and fatty foods but this study showed that the majority were under a false belief that avoidance of chicken was most important. Given the increasing use of TCM as an adjunct to therapy in breast cancer patients, this study highlighted the need for further research in this area and for better education on healthy balanced diet.