Ear Acupuncture
The LJMC offers the ear acupuncture service to manage hot flushes and night sweats in women taking Tamoxifen, Arimidex (Anastrazole) or Femara (Letrozole) as adjuvant treatments for early breast cancer.
Research carried out at the LJMC indicates that ear acupuncture is a viable option for managing these symptoms that may be a side effect of these drugs.
Suitable patients are offered a series of eight treatments on a weekly basis in a group setting with other women.
Practical and financial reasons mean that there are limits on who can use this service. If you are interested in having ear acupuncture, please read the criteria below to see if you are suitable.
If you have any questions about this service, please contact the LJMC Helpline (01923 844014). The LJMC leaflet 'A Patient's Guide to Ear Acupuncture at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre' explains more about this service. Please ask for a copy.
Eligibility criteria
Women suitable for treatment will:
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be 35 years of age or over
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have a confirmed diagnosis of early breast cancer (we regret we are currently unable to include women with advanced, metastatic breast cancer)
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be in generally good health
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currently be taking Tamoxifen, Arimidex or Femara and will have been taking any of these - or any combination of these - for a minimum of six months
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have finished active cancer treatment (surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy) a minimum of six months before starting the ear acupuncture
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have experienced hot flushes for a minimum of three months
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be having an average of at least four hot flushes and/or night sweats in a 24-hour period
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be under the care of a consultant oncologist based at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre
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be able to attend treatment at the specified clinic times and be able to complete the eight treatments in a maximum of ten weeks
What does the service cost?
All LJMC services are offered free of charge to patients under the care of an NHS oncologist based at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.
The ear acupuncture service at the LJMC is funded by voluntary donations. Any contributions towards the costs of the service are therefore always gratefully received.
Private patients having treatment at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre may also be eligible to use our services. Please call the Helpline for details.
Last updated: May 20, 2011
