Many people have acupuncture during cancer treatment to help with symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue and poor sleep. It’s generally considered safe when the acupuncturist knows your treatment plan and works around it. Timing matters, especially with chemotherapy and blood counts. Always tell your oncology team you’re having acupuncture, and tell your acupuncturist about any changes to your treatment.
Who this is for
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People having chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or hormone therapy
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People who have finished treatment and are still living with side effects
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Partners and family members helping someone through treatment
When this question usually comes up
Often early in treatment, when side effects start to build, or when someone is too tired to travel to more appointments. Many people also want to know whether acupuncture is safe before they mention it to their oncologist.
What the evidence says
A joint guideline from the Society for Integrative Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) says acupuncture should be offered to people with breast cancer who have joint pain from aromatase inhibitor medication. It also says acupuncture may be offered for general cancer pain or musculoskeletal pain (SIO-ASCO guideline summary). The same guideline notes that treatment may take 6 to 10 weekly sessions to have a lasting effect, and that people should see practitioners experienced in working with cancer patients (SIO-ASCO guideline summary).
Acupuncture supports medical treatment. It does not replace it.
What to tell your oncology team
Let your team know:
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that you’re having acupuncture, and how often
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whether electro-acupuncture is being used
Ask them:
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whether your blood counts are in a safe range for acupuncture
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whether there are any limbs or areas you should avoid (for example, an arm at risk of lymphoedema)
What to tell your acupuncturist
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Your diagnosis, treatment type and treatment schedule
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Your latest blood test results, if you have them
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Any ports, PICC lines, drains or recent surgical sites
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Areas that have had radiotherapy
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Any history of lymphoedema, or lymph nodes that have been removed
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Blood thinners or other new medications
Timing around treatment
Anthony will plan sessions around your treatment cycle. Acupuncture may be postponed or adjusted when blood counts are low, because of a higher risk of infection or bruising. Needles are kept away from ports, lines, wounds, radiotherapy-treated skin and at-risk limbs.
How acupuncture may help
People usually have acupuncture during cancer treatment to help with pain, nausea, tiredness, hot flushes, anxiety and sleep, or with nerve symptoms after chemotherapy. Sessions are calm and adapted to how you’re feeling on the day. Some days a shorter, gentler treatment is the right choice.
Anthony completed postgraduate oncology acupuncture training at the Mater Hospital in Sydney in 2019. You can read about his experience on the Oncology Support page.
What a home visit usually involves
Home visits avoid an extra trip when you’re already travelling to hospital often. Anthony brings single-use sterile needles and everything else needed. Treatment can be given in bed or an armchair. The first visit takes about 60 minutes and follow-ups about 45. Read what happens during a home visit.
When to seek medical review as well
Contact your treating team or go to hospital straight away if you have:
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a fever (38°C or higher) during chemotherapy
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chills, shivering or feeling suddenly unwell
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new bleeding or unusual bruising
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new swelling in an arm or leg
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severe or worsening pain
Frequently asked questions
Can I have acupuncture on the same day as chemotherapy?
Sometimes, but it’s often better to plan sessions around your cycle. Anthony will work this out with you based on how you respond to treatment.
Is acupuncture safe if my immune system is low?
It may need to be postponed. Check your latest blood counts with your treating team.
Can acupuncture help with nausea?
Some people find it helpful alongside their anti-nausea medication. Keep taking your prescribed medication.
Will acupuncture interfere with my treatment?
Acupuncture doesn’t interact with medicines the way herbs or supplements can. Tell your team anyway, so they have the full picture.
Talk to Anthony
To talk about acupuncture alongside your cancer treatment, call or text Anthony on 0450 790 038. You can also read Acupuncture for Numbness and Tingling After Chemotherapy.
