INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

There has been a large increase in complementary and
alternative medicine (CAM) use by cancer patients in
Western countries with a prevalence as high as 80% (Ernst
& Cassileth .

In conventional Western medicine, cancer is considered
a process in which malignant cells outgrow environmental
constraints and control mechanisms. The main
strategy of conventional therapy (e.g. surgery, chemotherapy,
radiotherapy) is direct annihilation of the cancer
cells using aggressive treatment (Macek 1984; Wong
et al
. 2001). Within TCM philosophy, cancer results from
a disturbance of smooth flow of ‘qi’ (vital energy) and/or
yin–yang balance (the balance that maintains health), and
manifests as a group of syndromes in which there is a disharmony
in the body–mind–environment network. TCM
cancer therapy focuses on mobilizing and activating
body’s natural resources to redress the balance. The
enhancement of inner defences and restoration of normal
patterns is thought to help defeat the cancer and promote
healing. In China, many health caregivers and patients,
aware of the limitations of conventional cancer
therapy, are integrating TCM as complementary therapy.
However, there is very limited high-quality scientific evidence
on its effectiveness, nor is there formal documentation
of personal experience regarding TCM cancer
therapy.
To determine whether TCM is a valuable addition to
conventional therapy, we initiated a collaborative programme
involving Chinese and Western clinicians and
researchers to investigate this area. As the first step,
we conducted a qualitative study in China to explore
the perspectives and experiences of Chinese cancer
patients and TCM professionals regarding TCM cancer
therapies.

Qualitative research methods are appropriate to investigate
new fields and generate useful information for further
development of quantitative studies (Denzin &
Lincoln 2003). Focus groups are acknowledged as reliable
means of eliciting people’s thoughts about their
therapies and obtaining a rich source of data on complex
topics (Stewart & Shamdasani 1990; Krueger 2000).
It can be especially useful for research on TCM, which
encompasses a holistic style of treatment. Moreover, the
interaction of participants within focus groups can
enhance the depth of the information obtained as group
members validate opinions, thereby allowing for a
deeper discussion (Carey 1993). This approach can
enhance understanding of the pattern and context of
TCM use for cancer in China. Such information is useful
for planning research projects and disseminating
knowledge about TCM cancer care in Western
countries.