In addition to the unexpected life-changing diagnosis, choosing an appropriate treatment approach is another difficult decision that wears out both patients and their families. Well-meaning friends and family often have differing opinions: some say the side effects of Western medicine are too severe, while others argue that Chinese medicine is too slow in its effects. Some believe that Western medicine is “conventional medicine” with quick results, while others see Chinese medicine as “experience-based medicine” and consider it safer. To be fair, both Chinese and Western medicine face challenges when it comes to treating cancer.
In fact, many large-scale research studies have confirmed that integrating Chinese and Western medicine significantly increases the survival rate of cancer patients (Link). Considering the discomfort and risks involved in conventional medical treatments, patients can use the strengths of Chinese medicine alongside Western medical treatments to improve their chances of recovery. Particularly in the challenging process of cancer treatment, having more tools to aid in healing increases the chances of success. In times of crisis, a crucial force can often change the outcome, turning danger into safety.
In 2017, a large-scale survey of 1,207 cancer patients conducted by Taiwan Cancer Palliative Care Medical Association, Dr. Chiu Tsung-Chieh, Director of the Blood Transfusion Department at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, identified the top five symptoms that trouble cancer patients. The most common was “fatigue,” with 92% of patients suffering from this issue, followed by difficulty sleeping, pain, loss of appetite, and depression. These five symptoms are areas where Chinese medicine can significantly help improve healing outcomes. Allowing cancer patients to suffer from these issues without addressing them often weakens their physical strength, self-healing abilities, and increases the chances of other infections, even diminishing their will to survive.
Western medicine has the advantage of modern diagnostic tools, but its treatments, which can be highly destructive, often come with many adverse side effects. The so-called “observation period” between treatments often amounts to a passive waiting for the disease to relapse. This is where Chinese medicine can play a key role. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments can greatly reduce the side effects of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. During the observation period, Chinese medicine can also help nourish the body, improve immunity, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, and help prepare the body for the next treatment cycle.
To achieve better medical outcomes, experienced Chinese medicine practitioners will use different strategies at various stages of Western medical treatment:
Post-surgery Chinese medicine treatments are generally performed within 1-2 weeks after surgery. The main focus is:
During the observation period, Chinese medicine treatment shifts from supporting previous stages of Western treatment to focusing on the patient’s recovery. Symptoms during this period can vary greatly depending on the patient’s physical condition, type of cancer, treatment stage, and prior treatment experiences. Chinese medicine focuses on acupuncture, massage, and herbal treatments to address current symptoms and speed up the healing of injured tissues, restore bodily functions, and reduce the chances of cancer cell spread, all while using dietary therapy to support the patient’s overall recovery.
