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Perceptions about complementary and alternative medicine use among Chinese immigrant parents of children with cancer

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Abstract

Purpose

Research indicates complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among children with cancer is common and widespread. CAM use, particularly traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is prevalent in the country of origin of Chinese immigrant families, yet little is known about its use after immigrating to Canada. This paper describes 25 Chinese immigrant parents’ perception about the use of CAM in their child with cancer in Canada.

Methods

This qualitative grounded theory study is part of a larger study of the caregiving experiences of first generation Chinese and South Asian parents of children with cancer. Chinese parents of children at least 6 months post-diagnosis were recruited from four Canadian pediatric oncology centers. Interviews were conducted in English, Cantonese, or Mandarin and transcribed into English. Analysis involved coding and the use of the constant comparison method to identify important themes.

Results

In discussing their caregiving experiences, CAM emerged as an important theme. The following sub-themes were identified: (1) trust in conventional medicine to cure cancer; (2) use of dietary modifications and restrictions; (3) extent of communication with healthcare providers about TCM use; and (4) limited availability of culturally relevant information.

Conclusions

While Chinese immigrant parents in this study placed their trust in conventional medicine to treat their child, the use of food as therapy is part of their daily cultural practice. To ensure safe cancer treatment and more culturally sensitive care, it is essential for health providers to offer reliable information and encourage open discussions about CAM use with Chinese immigrant parents.

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Acknowledgments

This research project was conducted with support from C17 and funded by Childhood Cancer Foundation—Candlelighter's Canada, and Canadian Cancer Society (grant #18043). Anne Klassen and Lillian Sung are recipients of Canadian Institute of Health Research career awards.

Financial disclosure

There is no conflict of interest identified. The corresponding author has full access to all primary data and can be reviewed if requested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, HSC 3A, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4J9, Canada

    Lisa Watt, Sonia Gulati & Anne F. Klassen

  2. Health Informatics Institute, Algoma University, Rm. SH 500, 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 2G4, Canada

    Nicola T. Shaw

  3. Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada

    Lillian Sung

  4. Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, A119D, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 4C9, Canada

    David Dix

  5. Respiratory Medicine Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, VCH Research Institute, Room 716, 828 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada

    Iraj Poureslami

Authors
  1. Lisa Watt
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  2. Sonia Gulati
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  3. Nicola T. Shaw
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  4. Lillian Sung
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  5. David Dix
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  6. Iraj Poureslami
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  7. Anne F. Klassen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anne F. Klassen.

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Watt, L., Gulati, S., Shaw, N.T. et al. Perceptions about complementary and alternative medicine use among Chinese immigrant parents of children with cancer. Support Care Cancer 20, 253–260 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-010-1063-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-010-1063-y

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