The Sussex Cancer Fund Acupuncture Service has been in great demand, with many patients receiving the benefits of the treatment since it started in 2017. Now in its 5th Year, the Community Based Acupuncture Service (CBAS) started by two medical acupuncturists, Dr Carolyn Rubens (Former President of the British Medical Acupuncture Society and GP) and Anna Joseph (Senior Chemotherapy Nurse, SCC) is funded by the Sussex Cancer Fund. Clinics were original just held in Brighton, but in 2022 a clinic in Eastbourne was set up and we soon hope to start sessions in Worthing
The need arose out of the increasing numbers of patients experiencing side effects from their cancer treatment such as joint pains, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, hot flushes, and anxiety. Patients have often sought out treatment from traditional acupuncturists but providing treatment from medical acupuncturists is both novel and pioneering.
Anna Joseph is delighted to report “We now have 2 groups at St Wilfred’s Eastbourne, meeting every 3 weeks with approximately 7-8 in each group, for men suffering with hot flushes as a result of treatment for prostate cancer. They all get needled and learn how to do some simple self needling to maintain symptom control. The benefits of group sessions are many; the men can share experiences, support each other and we can manage increasing capacity. It’s a win win!“
