Chinese garden with herbs and medical symbols representing integrated cancer care.

Navigating Colorectal Cancer: How Chinese Medicine Can Help

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in supporting colorectal cancer patients, from managing side effects to improving overall well-being. Discover if this ancient practice could be right for you."

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern worldwide, ranking among the most frequently diagnosed cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In Taiwan, CRC incidence continues to rise, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment strategies. While conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy remain essential, they often come with difficult side effects that significantly impact a patient's quality of life.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is gaining recognition as a valuable complementary approach for cancer patients. It aims to alleviate the adverse effects of conventional treatments and enhance overall well-being. TCM offers a holistic perspective, focusing on restoring balance within the body to support its natural healing processes. However, understanding the prevalence, patterns, and costs associated with TCM use among CRC patients is crucial for informed decision-making.

This article explores the use of TCM by colorectal cancer patients, providing insights into its potential benefits, who is most likely to use it, and the associated costs. By examining a nationwide population-based study, we aim to shed light on how TCM can be integrated into a comprehensive cancer care plan.

What Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Offer for Colorectal Cancer Patients?

Chinese garden with herbs and medical symbols representing integrated cancer care.

A recent study investigated the use of TCM among colorectal cancer patients in Taiwan, utilizing data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). The study analyzed data from 61,211 CRC patients diagnosed in 2007, comparing TCM users and non-users to identify patterns and associated factors.

The study revealed that a significant portion of CRC patients incorporates TCM into their care, with varying preferences for healthcare providers. Here's a breakdown of key findings:

Provider Preference: TCM users often preferred private clinics (46.9%), while non-users favored private hospitals (42.2%).
Visit Patterns: Among cancer-specific TCM visits, 66.6% occurred at TCM outpatient departments (OPD) of private hospitals. Non-cancer-specific TCM visits were more common at private clinics (62.0%).
Cost Considerations: TCM users experienced lower diagnostic fees and average costs compared to Western medicine (WM) visits and CM non-users.

These findings suggest that TCM is often used for managing general health concerns alongside cancer-specific issues. The lower costs associated with TCM may also make it an accessible option for some patients.

The Future of Integrative Cancer Care

The study underscores the potential of TCM as a complementary therapy for colorectal cancer patients. By understanding the patterns of TCM use, healthcare providers can better integrate it into comprehensive cancer care plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Further research is needed to explore the long-term benefits of TCM and its interactions with conventional cancer treatments.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4314/ajtcam.v11i2.20, Alternate LINK

Title: Use Of Chinese Medicine Among Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Subject: Complementary and alternative medicine

Journal: African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines

Publisher: African Journals Online (AJOL)

Authors: Sj Tsai, Yx Ruan, Cc Lee, Ms Lee, Wy Chiou, Hy Lin, Fc Hsu, Yc Su, Tw Hsu, Sk Hung

Published: 2014-07-02

Everything You Need To Know

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine and what does it offer for individuals with colorectal cancer?

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM offers a holistic approach to cancer care, aiming to alleviate the adverse effects of conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It focuses on restoring balance within the body to support its natural healing processes, potentially improving overall well-being for colorectal cancer patients. TCM's approach differs from conventional medicine by focusing on the whole person rather than just targeting the cancer itself. This can involve various therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary adjustments.

What did the study reveal about where colorectal cancer patients receive Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The study found that a significant portion of colorectal cancer patients incorporates TCM into their care. TCM users often preferred private clinics, while non-users favored private hospitals. Among cancer-specific TCM visits, most occurred at TCM outpatient departments of private hospitals. Non-cancer-specific TCM visits were more common at private clinics. This suggests that patients may choose different healthcare settings based on their specific needs and preferences.

Why is it important to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine into colorectal cancer treatment?

The integration of TCM into a comprehensive cancer care plan holds the potential to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. By understanding the patterns of TCM use, healthcare providers can better tailor treatment strategies to individual patient needs. Further research is needed to fully explore the long-term benefits of TCM and its interactions with conventional cancer treatments to ensure safe and effective integrative care.

Does using Traditional Chinese Medicine for colorectal cancer impact costs?

The study indicated that TCM users experienced lower diagnostic fees and average costs compared to Western medicine visits and CM non-users. This suggests that TCM may offer a more accessible or affordable option for some patients seeking complementary care alongside conventional treatments. However, it is essential to consider that the cost of TCM can vary depending on the specific treatments and providers involved.

What is the National Health Insurance Research Database and how was it used in this study?

The National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan was used to analyze data from a large group of colorectal cancer patients, comparing TCM users and non-users to identify patterns and associated factors. This database allowed researchers to gain insights into how TCM is used in conjunction with conventional treatments and its potential impact on patient outcomes. Such population-based studies are valuable for understanding the real-world application of TCM in cancer care.