No matter where you live and who you are, you may be affected by breast cancer. A loved one, colleague, neighbor, family member, or friend might have been diagnosed with breast cancer at some point.
In the past few years, breast cancer awareness has saved countless lives due to early detection. Chinese medicine and acupuncture have been found to assist in managing the side effects of cancer treatment and prevention plans.
This breast cancer awareness month is vital to speak up, share stories, donate, and encourage women to get regular mammograms and genetic testing if necessary.
Prevalence of Breast Cancer
According to the CDC, breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women after skin cancer in the US. Every year, around 264,000 women in the US get diagnosed with breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer is higher among women over 50 years of age, but younger women also get affected.
Ways Acupuncture Help Cancer Patients
There are multiple ways acupuncture can help cancer patients, including:
Managing Cancer Treatment Side Effects
Every individual reacts differently to cancer treatments. Often this treatment damages the healthy cells in your body, resulting in mild to severe side effects. Acupuncture can help manage these side effects to ensure you a better quality of life throughout your treatment time.
Studies have found acupuncture relieves multiple cancer treatment symptoms, including:
Peripheral neuropathy – Muscle weakness, numbness, and pain in feet or hands from chemotherapy
Pain – Joint, muscle, or postoperative pain due to hormone therapy
Vomiting and nausea – From radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy
Hot flashes – Caused by hormone therapy
Fatigue – Due to radiation therapy and chemotherapy
Dry mouth – From radiation therapy
Managing Chronic Pain after Cancer Treatment
Many cancer survivors deal with chronic pain for some or many days after their treatments. Studies have found that two types of acupuncture treatments can help relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain among cancer survivors:
Electroacupuncture: The needles are placed on the painful area through which a mild electric current is given for around 30 minutes.
Auricular acupuncture: Small needles are placed in the patient’s ears for a few days to help with the pain.
Acupuncture has been found to benefit patients during and after cancer treatment to help with side effects and pain. Most patients find relief when the acupuncture treatment plan is established based on their needs.
Finally
Getting diagnosed with breast cancer can be devastating for the patient and their loved ones. Early detection is the key to ensuring you get the appropriate treatment. Chinese medicine and acupuncture are effective in managing the side effects of cancer treatment and increasing immune function.
Jenny Crissman has been practicing adjunct cancer since 2003 in Oakland and East Bay areas. She conducts a thorough evaluation to recommend a personalized plan to manage the side effects and boost your ongoing preventative treatment. Book your appointment today to discuss your unique concerns and develop a plan.