Typically, in North America, acupuncture is performed on an individual basis. However, community acupuncture, also known as group acupuncture, is an emerging method of treating patients. Cancer patients, post-treatments were given acupuncture treatments to help alleviate pain, in a two-arm randomized trial.

Typically, in North America, acupuncture is performed on an individual basis. However, community acupuncture, also known as group acupuncture, is an emerging method of treating patients. Although the practice can vary, community acupuncture is performed in a group setting, typically with reclining chairs dispersed around a large room, and one practitioner treating up to six people per session.

The outcomes of this this randomized controlled trial will allow the researchers to assess whether group acupuncture is a viable treatment option for people with cancer who are suffering from pain, especially those who are either resistant to or looking to avoid the side effects of opioids.

Objectives Examine the efficacy of community acupuncture for alleviating cancer pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances and distress when compared to individual acupuncture.

Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of community acupuncture compared to individual acupuncture.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult cancer patients (≥18 years old), both male and female.
2. Experiencing pain with a minimum worst pain score (in the previous week) ≥3 on the 10-point Brief Pain Inventory (BPI).
3. All tumor groups, including metastatic patients.
4. Participant's pain can originate from any source, including postoperative, malignancy related, and neuropathic pain.
5. Must be willing to be randomized into either group, and must be able to attend a minimum of nine treatment sessions within a six-week period.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Use of acupuncture within the previous six months.
2. Currently on or within one-month of active treatment (chemotherapy or radiation).