Acupuncture to Treat Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients

Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients

This study will evaluate if acupuncture is helpful in treating cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Each participant will have a baseline visit before her radiation therapy begins to complete questionnaires. Participants will receive either true acupuncture or sham acupuncture twice per week for the six weeks of radiation therapy. She will have a short questionnaire at three weeks into her radiation, and she will complete questionnaires again at the end of her radiation and four weeks later.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Localized breast cancer
• Average to above average fatigue
• Planning radiation therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of acupuncture treatment
• Allergy to stainless steel
• Pacemaker
• Anticoagulant therapy
• Known bleeding disorder
• Metastatic breast cancer
• Seizure disorder