A health ministry official yesterday hit out at accusations that Chinese traditional medicine (TCM) led to the death of actress Chen Xiaoxu, who rose to fame by playing Lin Daiyu in the TV drama series A Dream of Red Mansions.

Chen Xiaoxu. [File]

Wang Guoqiang, deputy health minister, said the allegations targeting TCM were 'immoral, exaggerated and unscientific,' while addressing an inaugural ceremony of a TCM science event titled "A National Tour For Traditional Chinese Medicine".

Chen died of terminal breast cancer last month at the age of 42. Her death stirred up criticism by He Zuoxiu, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who said TCM contributed to the female billionaire's death.

Wang, also director-general of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, lashed back at He's words.

"Numerous deaths take place in the world. How does TCM have any connections with this death?" asked Wang.

He added that cancer led to a high mortality rate and a combination of western medicine and TCM can complement each other in treating cancer.

Wang said people should only comment on TCM from a scientific perspective. "Do not add personal bias to centuries-old TCM".

After her acting career, Chen became a billionaire in the advertising business. Her shocking death last month shone a spotlight on the prevention and treatment of breast cancer in a country where the number of women suffering from breast cancer has grown by 37 percent in China's 10 major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, in the past 10 years.