Abstract
Chinese medicine has been used to treat a variety of cancer-related
conditions. This study aims to examine the prevalence and patterns of
Chinese medicine usage by cancer patients. We reviewed articles written
in English and found only the Chinese medicine usage from the studies on
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Seventy four (74) out of
81 articles reported rates of CAM usage ranging from 2.6 to 100%.
Acupuncture was reported in 71 out of 81 studies. Other less commonly
reported modalities included Qigong (n = 17), Chinese herbal
medicine (n = 11), Taichi (n = 10), acupressure (n = 6), moxibustion (n =
2), Chinese dietary therapy (n = 1), Chinese massage (n = 1), cupping
(n = 1) and other Chinese medicine modalities (n = 19). This review also
found important limitations of the English language articles on CAM
usage in cancer patients. Our results show that Chinese medicine, in
particular Chinese herbal medicine, is commonly used by cancer patients.
Further research is warranted to include studies not written in
English.
- PMID:
- 21651825
- [PubMed]
- PMCID:
- PMC3148205
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