Perspectives of Cancer Patients on Korean Medicine Treatments: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to survey the general perspectives of cancer patients on Korean medicine (KM) treatments. Method The after focus-group discussion consisted of six cancer patients. The questionnaire items were decided. Fifty randomized cancer patients completed the online survey questionnaire regarding the perspectives of KM in cancer treatment. Results Cancer patients considered KM to be a treatment performed both by KM doctors (92%) and by others (46%), such as private practitioners. Cancer patients thought of KM treatment as effective (68%) and safe (64%), but not scientific (60%). The answers of the cancer patients regarded whether the KM treatment experiences were different in purpose, satisfaction, and types of KM treatment. The experienced KM cancer patients thought of the optimal purpose of KM as alleviating symptoms or side effects (73.7%). Experienced patients were more satisfied with KM and they preferred acupuncture and moxibustion to thermotherapy. Conclusion Cancer patients consider KM treatment effective and safe, but not scientific. Cancer patients who are experienced with KM are favorable to KM treatment. The direction of future studies of KM in cancer care should be considered based on these findings. Keywords: Korean medicine (KM), complementary and alternative medicine, cancer patients, perspectives