Introduction
Acupuncture cannot treat cancer, but it can help with supporting cancer patients during and after treatment. Having worked as an acupuncturist at The Fountain Centre Cancer Unit at the Royal Surrey Hospital, treating cancer outpatients, here’s a summary of my experience.
The Fountain Centre Cancer Unit at Royal Surrey Hospital, UK
The Fountain Centre Cancer Unit is an independent charity supporting cancer patients and their loved ones. It is located in the Royal Surrey County Hospital, which houses the fourth biggest cancer centre in the UK. On a side note, HRH The Princess of Wales did a tour of the maternity unit at the Royal Surrey County Hospital back in 2022, who now is diagnosed with cancer herself.
Other complementary services are also available at The Fountain Centre Cancer Unit such as aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, and hypnotherapy. However, acupuncture is the only complementary therapy that can address multiple issues/symptoms - many at the same time. As such acupuncture is in high demand.
Common cancer symptoms I am treating
The most common symptoms I am treat cancer outpatients for are anxiety, hot flushes, night sweats, peripheral neuropathy, and joint pain. Most patients have already had treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Breast cancer patients are also likely to be taking hormone suppressing medication to keep the breast cancer at bay - the key side effects being hot flushes and night sweats.
Patients who I see for peripheral neuropathy are those who have had either radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Joint pain can sometimes be from medication, and once a patient changes the brand of medication, the joint pain may disappear.
What redflags to look for before treating a cancer patient?
When treating a cancer patient, the key things to look for are:
- White blood cells – always check the white blood cells count . Do not provide any treatment if neutrophils are under 1%, as this means that the patient’s autoimmune system is severely compromised.
- Anticoagulants – if patients are taking anticoagulants, then cupping or gua sha is not recommended.
- Botox/ fillers – although highly unlikely, some patients I have treated have had cosmetic facial tattoos or facial piercings. As such, always check with them if you are going to be needling on the face. According to the British Acupuncture Council, no needling onto the affected area for at least 6 weeks after the botox/filler injection.
- Peripheral neuropathy – I have had patients with no sensation on the feet at all and some with very dry cracked feet from radiotherapy. Do not needle on the feet or parts of the feet with no sensation (once sensation has resumed, this is fine to do so).
Where you can and can't needle patients with cancer?
Treating on the site of the cancer is forbidden.
For breast cancer patients, treating on distal location of the site of the cancer is not recommended. In small cases, it has been identified that this can affect the lymph nodes. As a precautionary measure, avoid needling on the distal part of the cancer site for example left breast cancer – avoid needling on left breast, left arm and left leg. You’ll find that in many hospitals, they do not take blood pressure reading or take bloods from the same side arm as the breast cancer.
Always disinfect with a swab before needling the acupoints.
Further information
If you are interested in finding out more, Sarah can be contacted at www.SarahSanAcupuncture.co.uk. Sarah San Acupuncture is located in two private practices in Esher and Cobham, Surrey. As well as volunteering at the Fountain Centre Cancer Unit at the Royal Surrey Hospital in Surrey, Sarah also assists in teaching anatomy and acupuncture points at the City College of Acupuncture, London.
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