BCO SABCS Podcast: Acupuncture Eases AI Joint Pain

Moderators

Acupuncture Helps Ease Joint Pain Caused by Aromatase Inhibitors Dawn Hershman, M.D.

December 8, 2017

Joint pain is one of the most common side effects of aromatase inhibitors and may be a big reason why women stop taking these medicines early. Dr. Dawn Hershman, leader of the Breast Cancer Program at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, presented research at the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium showing that acupuncture can ease aromatase inhibitor-caused joint pain, even after the acupuncture treatment sessions stop.

Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Hershman explain:

• how much acupuncture eases joint pain
• why she believes acupuncture could help many women stick to their hormonal therapy treatment plans
• the cost of acupuncture relative to other treatments
• the few and mild side effects of acupuncture

Running time: 13:26

Listen now or read the transcript.

LuisaWargo

Thank you so much for the reference.

Momine

That is great, now we just need something that will cure needle phobia

Heidihill

Acupuncture worked for my aches and pains. Also cured my needle phobia 

exbrnxgrl

As a result of the info presented at SABCS, my HMO is now offering acupuncture to bc patients. My joint pain from letrozole , while not crippling, is no fun and I have to take naproxen sodium daily. So off I went today for my first acupuncture appointment. I too am needle phobic so kept my eyes closed. The needles, placedin scalp, right hand and tops of both feet, were inserted quickly and painlessly. Then, the lights were dimmed and I just relaxed for about 40 minutes. Removal was fast and easy and I liked that the acupuncturists counted the needles as he removed them.

Too soon to tell if it's made a difference, but I'm hopeful. I have another session scheduled for next week.