PATIENTS with cancer given access to free acupuncture and massage treatments at a community center in East Harlem, New York, USA, reported symptom relief and broad satisfaction with services in an evaluation study.
Researchers conducted the study to assess how acupuncture and massage would be received by and implemented for patients in a diverse, underserved population that has not typically been offered access to complementary medicine, also known as integrative medicine, in the past. They noted that minority, racial, and ethnic groups are more likely to have symptoms that affect their quality of life, adherence to treatment, and overall survival.
The study evaluated a community center program offering free ear acupuncture or massage for patients with cancer between 2022–2024, noting how many patients accepted integrative therapy and how they fared.
Which Patients with Cancer Were on Board?
During the study period, providers offered acupuncture or massage during 635 visits by mostly patients who are non-White. Of the total, 44.9% were Hispanic, 31.7% were Spanish-speaking, and 45.5% were insured by Medicaid (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Woodlawn, Maryland, USA). Researchers assessed symptoms before and after treatment.
Out of 635, 396 (62.4%) accepted acupuncture or massage, with higher uptake in females, Hispanics, Spanish-speaking, Medicare-insured, and patients on chemotherapy visits. The most common reasons for declining treatment were lack of time (54.4%) and lack of interest (38.9%).
Symptom Relief and Patient Satisfaction with Integrative Therapies
Immediately after treatment, patients reported less pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea. Furthermore, 90% of patients reported satisfaction with services.
The results underscore the potential value of integrative medicine in cancer patients, including in the community setting. In 2023, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) released joint guidelines recommending complementary medicine approaches, including acupuncture for joint pain caused by aromatase inhibitors, and general cancer pain or musculoskeletal pain caused by cancer. The joint guidelines also recommend massage for chronic pain after breast cancer treatment and pain during palliative or hospice care.
Reference: Booher AG et al. Program evaluation of acupuncture and massage services delivered for symptom management at a community cancer clinic. J Oncol Pract. 2025;DOI:10.1200/OP-25-00321.
Author: Emily Hayes, Freelance Writer and Editor
