June was Cancer Survivorship Month – Acupuncture is here to help
Cancer Survivorship: Acupuncture Support Beyond Treatment
Many cancer survivors report poorer health and well-being than people who have not had cancer; many suffer chronic consequences of cancer and cancer treatments.
Acupuncture can play an important role in helping the multidisciplinary care of cancer survivors towards improved health, well-being, and assist in a return to active living, after cancer treatments have finished.
Finishing cancer treatment is often described as a milestone or an endpoint. But for many people, it is actually the beginning of a new phase: survivorship. Losing the structure of treatment and appointments can sometimes be a challenge. Acupuncture can help with this transition.
While the words treatment complete bring relief, they don’t always mean a return to how life once felt. Cancer survivorship can come with ongoing physical, emotional and psychological challenges that deserve continued care and support.
Life After Cancer Treatment
Cancer survivorship includes the health and well-being of a person from diagnosis onwards, including life after treatment has ended.
Many survivors experience long-term effects such as:
- Persistent fatigue
- Chronic pain or joint discomfort
- Sleep disturbances
- Heart conditions
- Hot flushes or hormonal effects
- Insomnia
- Anxiety, fear of recurrence, or low mood
- PTSD -Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
These symptoms can impact quality of life long after treatment finishes. For some, this period is described as being disease-free, but not free from the effects of disease.
Where Acupuncture Fits In
Traditional Acupuncture is increasingly used as part of integrative cancer care, meaning it works alongside Western medicine, and is now included or at least accepted in some clinical guidelines as a supportive option for cancer-related pain and symptom management.
In my practice, I treat and have treated many patients who have had cancer or are trying to manage ongoing issues that affect their lives. Each person responds differently to cancer in their body, mind and spirit – that is why the holistic and individual approach of traditional acupuncture is so effective to care for each person’s needs. A full history of each patient is taken to ensure all areas of care are considered. I treat with needles, moxibustion, and acupressure. Sometimes, needles are too much, so I treat effectively and carefully with moxibustion and acupressure.
I also worked previously as a nurse in cancer care, therefore I have a balanced view of the care and understanding needed, when working to help patients who have or have experienced cancer.
What the Research Says
A growing body of evidence supports acupuncture as a safe, non-drug approach to symptom relief and care:
- Research indicates acupuncture can reduce cancer-related pain and improve quality of life. https://integrativeonc.org/research-blog-postings/acupuncture-and-massage-therapy-for-cancer-pain-relief-evidence-based-benefits/
- Some studies show reductions in fatigue and improvements in energy levels, although results can vary and further research is ongoing. https://karger.com/cmr/article-abstract/33/2/149/944681/Efficacy-and-Safety-of-Acupuncture-Related?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- Clinical trials have shown improvements in pain scores among cancer survivors receiving acupuncture compared with usual care. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2777349
While not every study shows the same level of benefit, overall findings suggest acupuncture can be a valuable part of supportive care.
A Holistic Approach to Recovery
What makes Traditional Acupuncture particularly valuable in cancer survivorship care is its ability to address multiple symptoms at once – treating your whole system. This is important because survivorship is rarely about just one symptom it is often a combination of interconnected challenges.
Rather than focusing on a single issue, it can support:
- Physical healing
- Nervous system regulation
- Emotional balance
- You as a whole
Why Many Survivors Choose Acupuncture
Many people are drawn to acupuncture because:
- It offers a non-pharmaceutical option
- It can be tailored to individual needs
- It has a low risk of side effects when performed by qualified practitioners https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/acupuncture
- The British Acupuncture Council Members are qualified in Traditional Acupuncture with 3 years of training and CPD: https://acupuncture.org.uk/
- For those who prefer to limit medication or want additional support, acupuncture can provide a gentle yet effective complement to standard care.
Moving Forward After Cancer
Cancer survivorship is not just about survival it’s about quality of life, resilience and rediscovering wellbeing.
Support doesn’t end when treatment stops. With Traditional Acupuncture, it is possible to:
- Improve day-to-day comfort
- Regain energy and balance
- Feel more in control of your health and wellbeing
- Care and support
Acupuncture Treatment
For information, treatment and care, to help you move to the next stage of your life: contact Hannah Charles LicAc MBAcC at: https://www.southwellacupuncture.co.uk/contact/
Hannah Charles is a founder member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC)
The BAcC is an advocate for traditional acupuncture professionals and maintains the highest professional standards to protect the general public. BAcC members are registered on an accredited register, regulated and approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care (PSA). For More information, see the website:https://acupuncture.org.uk/
Cancer Help Facebook Video
As National Cancer Survivorship Month comes to a close, we’re resharing a powerful film on how acupuncture can support people living with and beyond cancer as part of compassionate, integrative care.
With thanks to Dr Beverley de Valois for highlighting the film and encouraging it to be shared again, we’re bringing these important voices back into focus.
The video features moving contributions from cancer survivors Val Fear and Paul Gilbert, alongside insights from Elaine Melsome, Macmillan Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist, oncologists Dr Rob Glynn Jones and Dr Richard Ashford, and acupuncturist and researcher Dr Beverley de Valois. Together, they show why supportive care during and after treatment matters, and how acupuncture can play a meaningful role in the multidisciplinary care of people living with and beyond cancer, including within integrative approaches in NHS settings.
Our warm thanks also go to the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, St Luke’s Cancer Centre, and York Hospital for their involvement and support.
If you’re considering acupuncture, seek support from a degree-level qualified practitioner. BAcC members are on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, helping give the public confidence in recognised standards for training, safety and accountability.
