Acupuncture and fatigue: Current basis for shared communication between breast cancer survivors and providers

Abstract

Fatigue is the most common symptom reported by survivors of cancer. At present the medical community lacks evidence-based options for its management. This paper describes the rationale, current evidence, and research in progress as related to the use of acupuncture as a potential option. Preliminary evidence suggests that clinicians and cancer survivors may find benefit in considering acupuncture as an option for managing fatigue; this is especially appealing since acupuncture appears to be a safe medical technique. We draw upon our research and clinical experience to generate a description of considerations for patient and provider when thinking about acupuncture as an option for the management of fatigue in non-anemic, disease-free breast cancer survivors. Research examining its relative effectiveness and potential for integration with other approaches is a logical next step if the results from RCTs are positive. Acupuncture is not routinely considered in mainstream discussions of options for fatigue management. While future research will more clearly determine its relative effectiveness, given the present options available clinicians and breast cancer survivors may find benefit in considering and discussing acupuncture as an approach for managing persistent fatigue.