Oncology

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In this section you will find scientific research on the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the field of oncology. Acupuncture cannot cure cancer, but it can support patients during and after the (conventional) treatment process.

Acupuncture helps reduce the side effects of treatments and the symptoms associated with the disease itself. Symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, pain, and hot flashes. Acupuncture improves the quality of life during a challenging period.

Fortunately, more and more doctors are convinced that acupuncture can mean a lot for their patients. Oncologists and oncology nurses are increasingly referring patients to acupuncturists. Networks are emerging in which collaboration is taking place to better support cancer patients in a multidisciplinary, conventional, and complementary way. Acupuncturists from the NVA are involved in these networks. This is how the link between the NVA and kanker.nl came about.

For example, acupuncture can help with oncological pain. Pain is very common among (former) cancer patients and can be caused by cancer cells invading organs, soft tissues (nerves and blood vessels), and/or bones. Not only the cancer itself, but also the side effects of various therapies, such as chemo- and hormone therapy, can cause pain.

Moderate to severe pain is experienced by 40% of individuals with early or intermediate stage cancer and by 90% of individuals with advanced cancer. 70% of all patients with oncological pain experience insufficient pain relief, leading to a decrease in quality of life both physically and psychologically.

For mild to moderate pain, NSAIDs and paracetamol (also known as non-opioids) are the first choice. For moderate to severe oncological pain, opioids (such as codeine or morphine) are the main choice. Other treatments for oncological pain include antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants and amphetamines, anticonvulsants, steroids, and complementary and alternative therapies.

Compared to medication, which comes with side effects, acupuncture offers a safe, cost-effective, and evidence-based treatment for oncological pain.

Over the past years, scientific research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture in combating oncological pain. Acupuncture can be successfully used to treat cancer patients for symptom relief. In addition, acupuncture treatment is associated with low risks. The mechanism by which acupuncture reduces oncological pain is believed to be similar to that in the treatment of other painful conditions, regardless of whether the pain is acute or chronic. Read more about this in the menu under the heading 'Pain'.

Table of Contents:

1. Oncological pain