Acupuncture for Sheffield Prostate Cancer Sufferers
Sheffield’s specialist cancer hospital is throwing its weight behind an innovative trial in acupuncture which is set improve the lives of men with prostate cancer. This is particularly interesting for us at Devonshire Acupuncture as we plan to start running a multi-bed clinic one day a week where we will offer reduced priced treatment (£15/session) for patients who do not need the privacy or support provided in the one-to-one treatment sessions.
Acupuncture sessions have been described as ‘unbelievable’ in relieving a common ‘hot flush’ side effect in prostate cancer patients.
The charity is hoping to continue to provide funding for these vital sessions.
Auricular acupuncture, which consists of five needles being placed in each ear for a half hour period, has proven benefits after taking hormonal treatment. Auricular acupuncture would be suitable to the multi-bed environment, and such sessions could provide prostate sufferers with ongoing support once the support provided through Sheffield Hospitals comes to an end.
The group sessions, which run each week at Sheffield Hospital, have become increasingly popular as patients recognise the notable improvement of symptoms after just four sessions.
Roger Gibson, aged 70, from Beighton, was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2010.
He was referred to the Cancer Support Centre in 2015 when he started experiencing hot flushes after taking hormonal treatment alongside radiotherapy at Weston Park.
The former coach driver said: “I’ve seen a remarkable difference in the intensity and frequency of my hot flushes.
“My wife and I enjoy coming to the centre for the sessions as the staff there are so welcoming and friendly – and they don’t make a bad cuppa either!”
Fellow acupuncture patient Jack Glaves, aged 82, said he’s also seen an ‘unbelievable’ difference in his symptoms since attending the sessions, which he says have ultimately turned his life around.
Cancer Support Centre manager, Karen Holmes said: “When the cancer charity started funding the auricular acupuncture sessions back in April 2015, we never imagined that we would have such a big uptake and positive impact on patients’ lives. We knew the benefits associated with this type of therapy historically, but the patient feedback for this specific complementary therapy has been unbelievably positive.
“Looking closely at the feedback gained from those who have attended the acupuncture sessions, a staggering 89 per cent of attendees reported improvement for hot flushes, 72 per cent reported improvement in sleep and 53 per cent reported improvement in general well-being.
