Factors associated with fatigue in women with breast cancer before starting treatment: a cross-sectional study

Breast cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms reported. Knowledge of its prevalence and associated factors may lead to the development of strategies to reduce its impact. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with fatigue and the functional profile of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Cross-sectional study with women aged ≥ 18 years, with breast cancer, recently admitted to the institution, who had their first consultation in the physiotherapy service between January and August 2023, before starting oncological treatment. Data were collected, as well as dynamometry, calf circumference, Timed Up and Go test and questionnaire the fatigue. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with the development of severe fatigue, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program.

292 women were included in the study, with a mean age of 57.62 (± 11.70) years. The factors associated with severe fatigue, patients who did not practice physical exercise (OR = 6.36, 95% IC 2.09-19.32; p = 0.001), with high body mass index (OR = 1.05; 95% IC 1.00-1.11; p = 0.036), the presence of pulmonary comorbidities (OR = 1.19; 95% IC 1.19-14.23; p = 0.025), pain (OR = 3.33; 95% IC 1.83-6.04; p < 0.001) and the report of subjective lymphedema in the upper limb (OR = 3.29; 95% IC 1.09-9.92; p = 0.034) increased the chance of presenting severe fatigue.

Patients who did not practice physical exercise, with high body mass index, pulmonary comorbidities, pain and subjective sensation of lymphedema in the upper limb had a greater chance of severe fatigue.