Integrative Oncology Center for Women's Cancer of Acupuncture Integrative Oncology Institute

Acupuncture Adjuvant Therapy for Women's Cancer

Oncology Acupuncture for Cancer Patients and Cancer Survivors in NY, Greater Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo Areas

IntegrativeOncologyNY.com: An integrative oncology network for women's cancer comprehensive care in greater NY including Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Syracuse, Fayetteville, Rochester, Brighton, Binghamton, Vestal.

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Acupuncture is widely recognized as a safe and effective complementary therapy for managing various side effects of cancer treatment in women, particularly those with breast or gynecologic cancers. It is used alongside conventional medical care to improve quality of life, not as a standalone cure for cancer itself.

Benefits of Acupuncture in Women's Cancer Care

Clinical studies and major cancer organizations, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), support the use of acupuncture for several treatment-related symptoms.

• Symptom/Condition and Efficacy

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) Strong evidence supports the use of acupuncture/acupressure for reducing both acute and delayed CINV.

• Joint pain Strongly recommended for managing joint and muscle pain caused by aromatase inhibitors (hormone therapy for breast cancer).

• Hot flashes Shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes, a common side effect of hormone therapies or surgical removal of ovaries.

• Fatigue Multiple trials have found that acupuncture can significantly reduce cancer-related fatigue, a common and often persistent symptom.

• Anxiety, depression, and insomnia Acupuncture can help manage psychological distress, improve sleep quality, and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.

• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) Preliminary evidence suggests it may help manage symptoms of nerve damage like pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet.

Safety and Considerations

• Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified, certified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. However, some precautions are necessary for cancer patients:

• Immune suppression: Chemotherapy and radiation can weaken the immune system, so strict clean needle protocols are essential to prevent infection.

• Bleeding risk: If a patient has low platelet counts or a bleeding disorder, acupuncture may be contraindicated. Patients should discuss this with their oncology team.

• Lymphedema: Avoid needling in areas affected by or at risk of lymphedema (e.g., an arm after breast cancer surgery).

• Consultation: It is crucial to coordinate care between your oncology team and the acupuncturist to ensure safety and an integrated approach to treatment.

• Many major cancer centers now offer acupuncture services as part of their integrative care programs. You can find a certified practitioner through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) website.