Brian Kwon Acupuncture While the mortality rate associated with cancer is decreasing with the modern medicine, the quality of life for those who live with cancer is still considered to be low due to the side-effects from receiving chemotherapy or radiation. The typical criteria that are considered for cancer treatment are the 5-year survival rate or the size of the tumor.
Many cancer patients have shown interest in treating side-effects that occur from chemotherapy or radiation, and this phenomena has been reported by major cancer centers. People can reduce the pain by using pain medications such as opioids, but these can create other side-effects such as constipation, nausea, or vomiting, which can lower the quality of life.
Some of the common side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation are:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Anemia
- Appetite changes
- Urination disorders
- Fertility problems
- Mood changes
- Weight changes
- Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, pain)
Researches have shown that acupuncture reduces cancer related pain. Many other symptoms can also be treated by acupuncture. According to research, about 52% of cancer patients experience fatigue during the cancer treatment.
It is important to customize the treatment plan based on one’s body constitution and condition. If you have questions on how acupuncture can help those who are recovering from cancer treatment, please give us a call.
