Popularity of Traditional Chinese Medicine Use Among Breast Cancer Patients in North China: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: The role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in breast cancer treatment is controversial. The aim of this study is to explore the popularity of TCM among the breast cancer patients who have been treated with Western medicine (WM) in north China. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted. We consecutively recruited 691 breast cancer patients who were diagnosed in Shanxi Bethune Hospital between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2020 and completed follow-up between June and August 2022. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Participants were asked about TCM use by phone. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed as appropriate. RESULTS: At median follow-up of 41 months (range, 17–61 months), 326 (47.2%) participants used TCM. The results of multivariate logistic regression showed that residential area, education, annual income per capita, experienced TCM treatment before, stage of diagnosis, and trust in TCM were independent predictors of TCM use. The detail of TCM use and the reason for non-TCM use were presented comprehensively. CONCLUSION: The use of TCM was prevalent among breast cancer patients treated with WM in north China. If WM physician encourage the patients with higher intention to use TCM and provide them with appropriate advices, the quality of life of patients will be further improved through integrating TCM into standard adjuvant therapy.