Acupuncture introduced as a complementary therapy at the Quebec Cancer Foundation in partnership with the Collège de Rosemont
Source: The Quebec Cancer Care Foundation
In addition to the medical procedures used in treating cancer, the healthcare system widely recommends the use of complementary therapies recognized for their ability to relieve cancer symptoms or the side effects of treatment. Among those widely recommended are kinesiology, massage therapy and art therapy, which are already offered at the Foundation. These approaches have all been shown to promote the well-being of patients, both physically and psychologically.
The Quebec Cancer Foundation is therefore proud to announce that, in order to contribute even further toward improving the quality of life of people dealing with cancer, it will be offering acupuncture sessions in Montreal as of February 4, 2020.
Thanks to an agreement with the Collège de Rosemont’s clinique-école d’acupuncture, 40 acupuncture students will receive training on January 28, 2020 from acupuncture instructors and an oncology nurse from the Foundation’s Info-cancer hotline.
The 6 students selected will begin practicing on February 4 at the Norman Fortier Lodge in Montreal, under the supervision of an instructor.
These sessions will be offered for half a day each week in Montreal and will be free for all cancer patients and their loved ones.
It is important to mention that the profession of acupuncturist has been regulated for more than 20 years and is one of the 46 professions governed by a professional order in our province. The Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec has been regulating the practice of acupuncture since July 1995.
Acupuncture treatment consists of implanting small, sterile, single-use needles into specific sites of the skin. The acupuncturist adapts each intervention to the client’s condition at the time of the consultation (type of cancer, treatments, etc.).
Various studies conducted in recent years, notably by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), have scientifically demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments by a professional experienced in oncology, for:
- Reducing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, particularly in breast cancer cases;
- Reducing stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms and fatigue;
- Improving overall quality of life.
Once the college program is completed, the Quebec Cancer Foundation hopes to extend this service to the rest of its Regional Centres across Quebec.
