Acupuncture as a Complementary Therapy for Cancer Care: Acceptability and Preferences of Patients and Informal Caregivers

Abstract

Background: Acupuncture can effectively manage cancer-related side effects, for both patients undergoing treatment and for cancer survivors. It may also be effective in managing physiological and psychological symptoms common among informal caregivers of cancer patients. Objectives: The aim of this survey was to explore the acceptability and preferences of cancer patients, cancer survivors, and their informal caregivers in relation to acupuncture. Methods: The survey was conducted from 20 th November to 27 th November 2018. The questionnaire was developed to explore acceptability and preferences, including motivation, symptoms to be addressed, and practical issues (location, cost, etc.), in relation to acupuncture. Results:The survey response rate was 94.5% in cancer patients and cancer survivors and 100% in caregivers. Acceptability of acupuncture was 34.5% (n = 40/116) and 48.0% (n = 26/54) in cancer patients and caregivers, respectively. About 52.5% (n = 21/40) of patients preferred to undergo acupuncture at the day center clinic, whereas caregivers had no specific preference. Patients and cancer survivors would use acupuncture for symptoms of fatigue (60%), listlessness (57.5%), and pain (47.5%). Informal caregivers expressed an interest in using acupuncture for their pain, stress, and sleeping difficulties 48.0% (n = 26/54). Conclusion: Cancer patients, cancer survivors, and informal caregivers would accept acupuncture as a complementary therapy. This openness and preference to acupuncture provide the foundations for this complementary therapy to be incorporated into holistic and supportive cancer care, both for patients and those supporting them.

The Role of Acupuncture in Cancer Care: From Symptom Alleviation to Tumor Suppression: A Narrative Review

“…Its side effects are generally mild, such as pain, bleeding or bruising, dizziness, hematoma, and digestive system symptoms [23]. Acupuncture does not interfere with the primary therapy received by patients, but it can be given simultaneously for synergistic results [6,9].…”

“…Tack et al [6] researched the reception of patients and caregivers receiving acupuncture therapy for cancer management. Tack found that although not all patients were interested in acupuncture therapy, about 35% of patients wanted to try acupuncture, and about 48% of caregivers were interested in acupuncture.…”

“…Other complaints resulting from cancer symptoms or side effects of therapy can persist over the long term and can interfere with quality of life, mental health, and overall health [6]. Acupuncture has been widely used in cancer treatment, especially to boost immunity and reduce symptoms caused by both the cancer itself and the side effects of drugs [3,7].…”

Psychosocial Care after Cancer Diagnosis: Recent Advances and Challenges

“…The guidelines discuss several mind–body therapies and natural products, with recommendations on acupuncture, reflexology, hypnosis, and massage based on strong evidence [ 10 ]. Our research group previously conducted a survey on the acceptability and preferences of patients and caregivers on acupuncture as a complementary therapy for cancer care at the day clinic of the Kortrijk Cancer Centre [ 11 ]. Furthermore, within our cancer centre, we installed an art therapy programme taking into account the preferences of the patients and their caregivers [ 12 ].…”

Physiotherapy-rehabilitation, and nursing students’ complementary therapy attitudes and level of use

“…Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of complementary practices, including mental techniques (acupuncture) [ 9 ], nutritional interventions (garlic) [ 10 ], and biological methods (ozone and aromatherapy) [ [11] , [12] , [13] ], in promoting healing and overall well-being. The use of TCMP in Turkey was found to be 60.5 % in 2017 [ 14 ].…”