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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Breast Cancer | Research

The intention of utilization and experience toward traditional Chinese medicine among breast cancer patients in the early and late stages: a qualitative study

Authors: Kai-wei Chen, Kuo-piao Chung, Chung-hua Hsu

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

In Taiwan, breast cancer patients usually take conventional medicine and traditional Chinese medicine simultaneously. The utilization of traditional Chinese medicine among breast cancer patients at various stages has not been examined. This study aims to compare the intention of utilization and experience toward traditional Chinese medicine among early- and late-stage breast cancer patients.

Method

This qualitative research collected data from breast cancer patients through focus groups interview by convenience sampling. Conducted in 2 branches of Taipei City Hospital, a public hospital managed by the Taipei City government. Breast cancer patients > 20 years old and had used TCM for breast cancer therapy for at least 3 months were included in the interview. A semi-structured interview guide was adopted in each focus group interview. In the following data analysis, stages I and II were considered early-stage, and stages III and IV were late-stage. For analyzing the data and reporting the results, we used qualitative content analysis as the approach for data analysis, assisted by NVivo 12. Categories and subcategories were identified through content analysis.

Results

Twelve and seven early- and late-stage breast cancer patients were included in this study, respectively. The side effects were the main intention of utilizing traditional Chinese medicine. Improving side effects and constitution was the main benefit for patients in both stages. Additionally, early-stage breast cancer patients used traditional Chinese medicine to prevent recurrence or metastasis. Late-stage breast cancer patients responded more frequently to the use of traditional Chinese medicine due to the side effects of western medicine. However, some of their symptoms were not fully relieved.

Conclusions

Breast cancer staging may influence the intention and utilization of traditional Chinese medicine. Health policymakers should consider the results of this research and the evidence-based illustrations to establish guidelines for integrating traditional Chinese medicine among various stages of breast cancer to improve the outcome and quality of care for cancer patients.

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Title: The intention of utilization and experience toward traditional Chinese medicine among breast cancer patients in the early and late stages: a qualitative study
Authors: Kai-wei Chen
Kuo-piao Chung
Chung-hua Hsu
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-023-04054-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The intention of utilization and experience toward traditional Chinese medicine among breast cancer patients in the early and late stages: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

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