Introduction

Since patients ask for acupuncture for cancer-therapy induced side-effects, and pre-existing expectations, i.e. beliefs, in a treatment may modify outcomes, the aim of this study was to investigate the use of acupuncture, interest, and belief in acupuncture effects among patients undergoing cancer therapy.

Methods

The study participants (n=457 of 507, 90% responded) cross-sectionally during radiotherapy answered a questionnaire regarding their use of, interest and belief in acupuncture treatment.

Results

Of the patients (mean age 65 years, 48% men, 37% had breast cancer, 32% prostate cancer), four (1%) patients used acupuncture during cancer therapy, while 368 (83%) expressed an interest in receiving acupuncture and (63%) believed acupuncture to be effective for at least one of 17 requested symptoms, most commonly pain (56% of the patients) and muscle tension(40%). They believed acupuncture to be effective for mean value 3 of 17 requested symptoms. Women (p<0.001), and patients 41-65 years (p<0.001), expressed a stronger belief in acupuncture effects than others.

Conclusions

Men and older patients expressed weaker beliefs in acupuncture effects than others, indicating the importance of collecting expectancy data in future acupuncture efficacy studies. The high interest and beliefs in acupuncture indicate that acupuncture should be available for side effects where acupuncture has proven effects. Older men might need more encouragement on positive expected outcomes of the acupuncture treatment than others.