The Christie Impact Report 2023-24

REVOLUTIONISING CANCER CARE WITH COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES The Christie Charity is very grateful for the continued support from the cancer charity Walk the Walk, whose funding has significantly enhanced the care that patients receive, particularly through the integration of complementary therapies.

“If it wasn’t for Walk the Walk and The Christie Charity, we wouldn’t be able to provide these valuable services.” Walk the Walk grants funds to charities and organisations throughout the UK to help research and support people diagnosed with breast and other cancers. It also supports The Christie Charity with other projects including recently helping to fund equipment for the BCAN-RAY study (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women), which was set up following the death of Girls Aloud member Sarah Harding.

These services include acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage, and aromatherapy which all play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for patients during their cancer treatment. Eileen Hackman, clinical lead for the complementary health and wellbeing service at The Christie, is passionate about using integrative medicine to provide comfort and resilience to patients. Her work in acupuncture for chronic cancer pain highlights the innovative care The Christie provides. “Many patients suffer with nerve damage as a side effect from chemotherapy - especially breast cancer patients,” explains Eileen. “A course of acupuncture, or another complementary therapy can have a huge impact on the wellbeing of the patients and has the power to transform the cancer treatment experience by addressing their emotional and physical needs.

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