Acupuncture Can Ease Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment [Video]

Key Takeaways

Acupuncture can relieve hot flashes associated with hormone therapy for breast cancerAbout 64% of breast cancer patients receiving acupuncture reported fewer and less intense hot flashesHormone therapy blocks the effect of estrogen and other hormones that can fuel some breast cancers

THURSDAY, June 27, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Acupuncture can help breast cancer patients deal with the hot flashes that often accompany hormone therapy, a new clinical trial says.

Nearly 2 in 3 women who got acupuncture during hormone therapy reported fewer and less intense hot flashes, results show.

Hormone therapy blocks the effect of estrogen and other hormones that powers some breast cancers.

Unfortunately, 4 in 5 patients (80%) experience hot flashes and other side effects associated with hormone deficiencies, researchers said. This causes some patients to drop hormone therapy, increasing their risk of cancer progression and death.

“By managing side effects, our approach makes it easier for patients to continue …