Breast Cancer Care: Comment on the use of acupuncture for the relief of hot flushes in patients taking tamoxifen

Comment on research from the Vestfold Central Hospital, Norway, on the use of acupuncture for the relief of hot flushes in patients taking tamoxifen.

Liz Carroll, Assistant Director at Breast Cancer Care, said:

“This is a very small study, (59 breast cancer patients) but will be of great interest to the thousands of women who commonly experience hot flushes during treatment for breast cancer. Menopausal symptoms, and in particular hot flushes, can be very distressing and have a huge impact on a woman’s quality of life during treatment.

“Our helpline nurses are often asked if complementary therapies can help with these sometimes debilitating symptoms. We know that such therapies, including acupuncture, can help some women feel more relaxed and in control during their treatment. We welcome larger scale studies which will add further evidence to this and will allow patients to make decisions about how they might manage the side effects of treatment.”

Ends

Breast Cancer Care’s guide to Complementary Therapies is available from www.breastcancercare.org.uk. Anyone with breast cancer or breast health concerns can get free, confidential support and information from the Breast Cancer Care helpline on 0808 800 6000 or by visiting www.breastcancercare.org.uk

For further media information, please contact

Laura Grossart
0207 960 3473/0770 290 1334
laurag@breastcancercare.org.uk

· Breast Cancer Care has been working for over 30 years to make a difference in the lives of people affected by breast cancer. We provide accurate, easy to understand information as well as practical and emotional support. We are the only charity working across the UK to provide these services. Every year we reach over one million people through our website, helpline, publications, person to person support and health promoting activities, all of which are offered free. We are committed to campaigning for better treatment and support for people with breast cancer and their families.

EMPLOY: Breast Cancer Care’s guide to best practice in the workplace

Breast Cancer Care is launching the EMPLOY Campaign across the country in May, June and July, a guide and charter aimed at providing employers and employees with support on best practice in the workplace. If you would like more information please contact Chris Quince at chrisq@breastcancercare.org.uk call 0207 960 3569 or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/employ