Rung Five
All evidence
Rung 4 · Strong

Acupuncture for cancer pain

Guideline-recommended for aromatase inhibitor joint pain.

Side-effect supportWith your doctor

What studies found

The 2022 SIO and ASCO guideline recommends acupuncture for joint pain from aromatase inhibitors, and says it, acupressure or reflexology may be offered for general or musculoskeletal cancer pain.

The catch

Relieves symptoms; it does not treat the cancer.

What to do

Ask for a licensed practitioner experienced with cancer patients.

Sources

Rung 4 of 5, Strong: At least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question. How we score

To take it to your doctor, print this page.

Step by step

For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer page.

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