Symptom Treatment Preferences of Cancer Survivors: Does Fatigue Level Make a Difference?

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is among the most prevalent symptoms in cancer survivors and often co-occurs with other symptoms. However, little is known about survivors' preferences for treating CRF and associated symptoms.

The aim of this study was to examine cancer survivors' interest in learning skills to manage CRF and associated symptoms and their interest in various nonpharmacologic interventions and modalities. These outcomes were compared between survivors with high and normal fatigue.

Breast, gastrointestinal, lung, and prostate cancer survivors (N = 338) completed a 1-time survey, including a Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System fatigue measure and a checklist assessing interest in learning skills to manage CRF and associated symptoms as well as interest in nonpharmacologic interventions and modalities.

Many cancer survivors reported interest in learning skills to manage CRF (range, 35%-78%) and associated symptoms (range, 13%-48%). Compared with survivors with normal fatigue (n = 180), highly fatigued survivors (n = 158; Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System fatigue T score ≥ 55) were more likely to report interest in learning skills to manage various symptoms, self-compassion training, and programs offered individually and in person. Interest in other interventions and modalities did not vary by fatigue level.

Many cancer survivors, especially those with high fatigue, report interest in learning symptom management skills. Given survivors' high level of interest in complementary and integrative health interventions, future research should continue to assess their impact on symptoms and functioning.

Nurses can offer a menu of evidence-based options for symptom management, given survivors' diverse preferences. Nurses can also provide psychoeducation regarding their preferred treatments.