Multi-Omics Study of the Effect and Mechanisms of Acupuncture on Psychoneurological Symptoms Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Multi-Omics Study of the Effect and Mechanisms of Acupuncture on Psychoneurological Symptoms Among Breast Cancer Survivors

The objectives of this study to explore whether acupuncture can improve the psychoneurological symptom cluster (pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance) in survivors of breast cancer and explore biomarker changes after the acupuncture intervention. Acupuncture treatments will be provided to breast cancer survivors twice weekly for 5 weeks.

The investigators will conduct the study with early stage breast cancer survivors who have completed their primary cancer treatment. They will all receive acupuncture. Treatments will be twice weekly for 5 weeks, for 30 minutes per treatment. At baseline and post-treatment, subjects will be collected blood and stool samples, complete symptom questionnaires that measure pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• women with histologically confirmed stage 0, I, II, or III breast cancer
• who have completed their primary cancer treatment (e.g., surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) at least 3 months prior and within 5 years
• are currently receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy
• are able to read and speak English
• with self-reported pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance in the last three months and their "worst" severity rating ≥ 3 (0-10 numeric rating scale) for at least two of the three symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

• have self-reported hospitalization for psychiatric illness within the past 2 years
• have a bleeding disorder
• physically or cognitively unable to complete the study procedures
• pregnant women