Chinese Medicine as a Support System in the Care of the Breast Cancer Patient

1. Cedar Sinai Breast Center October 20, 2012 Chinese Medicine as a Support System in the Care of the Breast Cancer Patient Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Lucy Postolov, L.Ac. Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM) Allied Health Professional for Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterBoard Certification in Integrative Medicine

3. From the History of Cancer

4. Integrative Medicine is a part of Modern Medicine • Mainstream Medicine • Allopathic Medicine • CAM • Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

5. An Increasing Number of Cancer Patients are Turning to Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) CAM use among cancer patients is diverse and varies by region • National Center for CAM estimates • 7-54% of cancer patients use CAM • 48-88% of cancer patients used CAM while being treated in comprehensive cancer centers in the USA

6. How Acupuncture Works The Eastern Philosophical Point of View

7. How Acupuncture Works The Western Medical Point of View From “Neuro-Acupuncture”, Cho ZH et al, Q-puncture, Inc. 2001

8. NIH Consensus Development Panel on Acupuncture • Promising results have emerged, for example, showing efficacy of acupuncture in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in postoperative dental pain. There are other situations, such as addiction, strokerehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tenniselbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, in which acupuncture may be useful as adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program. Further research is likely to uncover additional areas where acupuncture interventions will be useful. JAMA. 1998;280:1518-1524

9. Clinical Applications of Acupuncture for Patients with Cancers Chemotherapy Related Side Effects • Myelo-suppression: with leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia • Nausea • Vomiting • Mucositis (mucus membrane ulceration) Radiotherapy Induced Symptoms Symptom Management • Cancer Pain • Diarrhea • Constipation • Neuropathy

10. Other Symptoms as a Result of Chemotherapy Toxicity Other Symptoms CNS Toxicity • Insomnia • Fatigue • Mood Disorder • Feeling a Loss of Control Loss of Appetite Weakened Immune System Alopecia

11. Acupuncture helps tolook and feel beautiful after cancer related treatments • Facial Rejuvenation • Weight loss OR gain • Return of sexual desire • Gain the energy back • Balance of hormones

12. Risk of Harm Associated with Non-Conventional Approaches to Cancer Management • Symptom control of nausea and vomiting should be initiated after underlying causes have been identified • Claims to “cure” cancer with natural and non-toxic treatment • Herb-drug interactions • Side effects associated with unsafe and unregulated non-conventional interventions

13. Requirements for Acupuncturists Working with Oncology patients • Acupuncture License • National (optional) • State (required) • General Medical Training Background • Hospital System Experience • Good Communication Skills • Experience Treating Oncology Patients