Feasibility and Acceptability of Integrating Acupuncture for Management of Multiple Symptoms in Medically Underserved Breast Cancer Survivors

Simple Summary: Breast cancer survivors often experience multiple symptoms such as pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and hot flashes during endocrine therapy. This study examined the feasibility of integrating acupuncture into treatment options for symptom management among medically underserved breast cancer survivors. We randomized 62 participants into acupuncture and usual care groups. High retention and satisfaction rates indicated that acupuncture is both feasible and acceptable for this population. After 10 acupuncture sessions over 5 weeks, participants showed significant improvements in pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety. This approach shows potential for reducing symptoms and addressing health disparities among underserved breast cancer survivors. Background/OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer survivors undergoing long-term endocrine therapy often experience multiple symptoms, including pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, hot flashes, anxiety, and depression. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of integrating acupuncture for symptom management in medically underserved breast cancer survivors. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at two clinics serving medically underserved populations. Breast cancer survivors (N = 62) were randomized to receive acupuncture (n = 31) or usual care (n = 31). The acupuncture group underwent 10 sessions over 5 weeks. Symptoms were assessed at baseline and Weeks 6 and 12. RESULTS: The majority of participants (55%) were Black, mean age was 55.2 ± 9.3 years, and 62.9% had a household income below $55,000. Retention (90.3%), engagement (93.1%), and acceptability (92.8%) rates were high, demonstrating that integrating acupuncture into care for medically underserved breast cancer survivors is both feasible and acceptable. At Week 6, the acupuncture group showed significant reduction compared to the usual care group in pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and the symptom cluster score. All improvements persisted to Week 12 except for those in anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating acupuncture for symptom management in medically underserved breast cancer survivors is both feasible and acceptable. This approach offers potential benefits for reducing multiple symptoms and addressing health disparities.