Pins and needles
Tingling, Pins and needles, Numbness, Nerve damage, Sensitivity, Burning, Pain, Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Cancer or its treatment can damage the nerves that carry messages between the brain, the spinal cord and the rest of the body. You may have feelings of heaviness, discomfort, burning or pins and needles, numbness or reduced ability to feel hold and cold. This is called peripheral neuropathy.
Often the feet and fingertips are the first places to be affected by numbness. For most people the symptoms of cancer related peripheral neuropathy will gradually improve once their cancer treatment has finished.
We've collected our favourite resources for you to read, watch, listen to, download and share to better understand and manage this concern, as well as clinical services if you would prefer to speak to someone about the emotional challenges of cancer treatment.
Systematic review of the effectiveness of self-initiated interventions to decrease pain and sensory disturbances associated with peripheral neuropathy
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
We recommend this resource because...
This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of self-management activities that patients with peripheral neuropathy initiate themselves to relieve these symptoms and improve quality of life.
Prevention and Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Survivors of Adults Cancers
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
We recommend this resource because...
American Society of Clinical Oncology report presents practice recommendations aimed at recognising and treating effectively those who present with chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy
A systematic review of behavioural and exercise interventions for the prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms
We recommend this resource because...
Reviews the existing evidence for interventions focused on preventing or managing chemo induced peripheral neuropathy, the mechanism on how these interventions work and the components of the interventions studied (eg intensity of ex, times per week, length of session)
General Practitioner (GP)
Your GP has many options to help you manage your symptoms and feelings and access support if needed.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists can help you to improve independence, safety, wellbeing and quality of life. If you would like to link with one of our occupational therapists, please ask your treating health professional to send a referral.
Oncology Nurses
Nurses can provide support and options to assist with any symptoms or concerns you may have.
