Situation of traditional medicine use among cancer patients at Thai Nguyen National Hospital in 2020

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe situation of traditional medicine usage among 340 cancer patients being treated at Thai Nguyen National Hospital’s Oncology Center. Results: the prevalence of traditional medicine use among cancer patients was 15.3%, with the highest rate reported by gastrointestinal cancer patients with stomach cancer (25.7%) and those with liver cancer (25%). Traditional medicines used were mainly in the form of infusion (75%). The major source of information about traditional medicine use was from the patients’ relatives and friends (78.8%). Some positive effects due to traditional medicine use included feelings of relaxation and better sleep (44.2%) as well as psychoemotional improvement (40.4%). However, approximately 12% of patients reported experiencing side effects. Nearly two thirds of the patients used traditional medicine without consulting their physicians, largely because their doctors did not enquire them about this practice (57.6%) or patients think it is not necessary to share. The proportion of patients asked by doctors about traditional medicine use was 40.4% and these patients have been advised to stop using traditional medicine. Attention should be paid on raising awareness about traditional medicine usage among cancer patients to ensure a safe and effective combination of complementary and therapeutic methods.