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Integrative TCM and Western medicine cancer treatment is increasingly accepted by scholars and patients in China. TCM research indicates that after surgical removal of tumors, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy benefit from TCM adjustment by enhancing immune function, reducing side effects, and even prolonging survival.China has applied TCM and integrative TCM treatment for malignant tumors for nearly 40 years, gaining growing acceptance among scholars and patients as an effective component of comprehensive cancer therapy.Experts note that traditional Chinese medicine contains numerous records and discussions about tumors. For example, oracle bone inscriptions from the Shang Dynasty mention “liu” (tumor). Classic texts such as the Huangdi Neijing describe conditions similar to cancer, including “ji ju,” “zheng jia,” and “shi ju.”Experts emphasize that surgical removal remains the preferred treatment option for cancer. When a tumor is detected, the first step is usually Western surgery to remove it, unless the patient’s condition is too advanced for surgery. After removing the tumor or most of it, follow-up treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy (also called electrotherapy) can begin. Experts state: “Currently, Chinese oncologists generally hold that cancer patients who are eligible for Western surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy should first choose these most effective methods to eliminate or kill cancer cells.”Progress in Integrative TCM and Western Medicine for Cancer TreatmentThrough long-term clinical practice and experience, advancements in TCM and integrative TCM cancer treatment mainly include four aspects:1. Improving clinical symptoms and quality of life, increasing survival rates;2. Reducing side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy;3. Enhancing surgical outcomes and reducing postoperative complications;4. Preventing tumor recurrence and metastasis, blocking precancerous lesions.Experts explain that Chinese TCM oncologists focus on three main aspects in cancer management:First, during surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, integrating TCM helps mitigate side effects and potential harm or damage to the body.Second, if patients take herbs that enhance immune function and balance yin-yang, qi, blood, body fluids, and the five zang organs during and after treatment, it can prevent tumor spread, reduce recurrence, and extend survival.Third, for patients unable to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, taking TCM can inhibit tumor cell growth, relieve discomfort caused by tumors, improve quality of life, and moderately extend survival.TCM Adjustment Before and After SurgeryTCM offers three key approaches for cancer management:Dr. Zhu Ping from Weishengxuan Auxiliary Health Center explains: “Cancer patients suffer from general weakness due to anesthesia, bleeding, and surgical trauma. Giving them herbs that boost qi and nourish blood, such as Ba Zhen Tang or Gui Pi Wan, helps promote the generation of qi and blood, accelerating recovery.”Experts say: “Post-surgical fasting, especially gastrointestinal decompression after digestive tract surgery, damages the stomach and intestines, causing loss of appetite, abdominal distension, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. At this stage, herbs that regulate the spleen and stomach—such as Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan, Jian Pi Wan, or Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan—can provide relief.”To integrate TCM during surgery, the recommended method is to start herbal intake 1–2 weeks before surgery. After surgery, once oral intake resumes, continue taking herbs immediately.Many chemotherapy drugs used in Western cancer treatment cause bone marrow suppression, leading to reduced white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. While killing cancer cells, they often produce serious side effects, making patients unable to tolerate treatment and sometimes forcing discontinuation. Using TCM to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs and administering herbs that strengthen the spleen and qi, nourish the liver and kidneys, can significantly reduce toxic side effects, allowing chemotherapy to proceed smoothly.Experts state: “TCM is particularly effective in increasing white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Numerous clinical studies in China confirm that TCM can overcome chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression and help patients complete the full chemotherapy course.”