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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue
Published on: May 17, 2018
Cancer-related fatigue and its associations with depression and anxiety: a systematic review
1Psychology Department, Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. lfbrown@iupui.edu
Background:
Fatigue is an important symptom in cancer and has been shown to be associated with psychological distress.
Objective:
This review assesses evidence regarding associations of cancer-related fatigue with depression and anxiety.
Method:
Database searches yielded 59 studies reporting correlation coefficients or odds ratios.
Results:
The combined sample size was 12,103. Almost all studies showed a correlation of fatigue with depression and with anxiety. However, 31 different instruments were used to assess fatigue, suggesting a lack of consensus on measurement.
Conclusion:
This review confirms the association of fatigue with depression and anxiety. Directionality needs to be better delineated in longitudinal studies.
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